instantiate

[in-stan-shee-eyt]

verb (used with object)

instantiated, instantiating 

1. to provide an instance of or concrete evidence in support of (a theory, concept, claim, or the like).

instantiate

/ ɪnˈstænʃɪˌeɪt /

verb

1. (tr) to represent by an instance

Other Word Forms

• instantiation noun
• instantiative adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of instantiate¹

First recorded in 1945–50; from Medieval Latin īnstantia “example supporting a general proposition,” from Latin īnstanti-, taken as a combining form of īnstantia “presence, urgency, urgent supplication, steadfastness”; instance, -ate ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of instantiate¹

C20: from Latin instantia (see _instance ) + _-ate ¹

Example Sentences

Yet, in this dance between self-preservation and conformity, they instantiate the stereotypes they’re trying to escape.

Read more on Seattle Times

Before Justice Kennedy retired, conservatives on the court just didn't have the votes to instantiate this view that the Constitution mandates colorblindness.

Read more on Salon

What sorts of catastrophes would instantiate an existential risk?

Read more on Salon

His sense of entitlement was so potent that any hint that women's rights were being more fully instantiate, felt like a threat and an attack to him.

Read more on Salon

Here, taxidermy becomes a way to instantiate our relationship to bodies—both our own and those of others.

Read more on The New Yorker