instil

American

[in-stil] / ɪnˈstɪl /

verb (used with object)

instilled, instilling

Chiefly British. a variant of instill.

instil British

/ ɪnˈstɪl /

verb

to introduce gradually; implant or infuse
rare to pour in or inject in drops

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Other Word Forms

instiller noun
instilment noun

Etymology

Origin of instil

C16: from Latin instillāre to pour in a drop at a time, from stillāre to drip

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

The new appointment will have no time to instil new philosophies and gameplans, which are vital.

From BBC

"These are symbolic gestures of intimidation intended to instil fear, but they are not effective."

From Barron's

It's via this osmosis that the family are hoping the child will pick up the British traits they wish to instil.

From BBC

A few weeks into the course, the new entrants bent their hands, legs and bodies as trainer Hang Sophea sought to instil the basics.

From Barron's

That helped instil a resilience that has guided him throughout his professional career, alongside support from loved ones.

From BBC

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023