- a variation of instill.
instil
Americanverb (used with object)
verb
-
to introduce gradually; implant or infuse
-
rare to pour in or inject in drops
Other Word Forms
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.
See Examples For:
He added the lack of consequences for thieves or action by police did not instil confidence, but he understood forces were overstretched.
From BBC ● Oct. 30, 2026
For whatever reason, over the past two years he has been unable to instil enough of that quality.
From BBC ● Jun. 26, 2026
However, amid the spate of high-profile doping cases involving Kenyan athletes, including women's marathon world record holder Ruth Chepngetich, he has also had an awareness for the need to instil confidence in these performances.
From BBC ● Apr. 27, 2026
"These are symbolic gestures of intimidation intended to instil fear, but they are not effective."
From Barron's ● Jan. 9, 2026
And this curiosity about music is something the Classical-era Greeks wanted to instil in younger generations.
From "The Story of Music" by Howard Goodall
He is unwavering in his belief that the newly constructed Lakers can compete for an NBA championship this season and that is the conviction coach JJ Redick has instilled into his group.
From Los Angeles Times ● Oct. 19, 2026
Ma had instilled in us the importance of education, but I also felt my athletic value would rise.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Sep. 15, 2026
The airstrikes have instilled deep fear in Ecuadoran fishermen.
From Barron's ● Sep. 4, 2026
But they are very much in keeping with the values which Painter and Meadows have instilled in a group that continue to hit spectacular heights.
From BBC ● Aug. 10, 2026
It instilled a spirit of defiance and radicalism among the people, broke the fear of prison, and boosted the popularity and influence of the NIC and TIC.
From "Long Walk to Freedom" by Nelson Mandela
Alongside his parents, Nadal credits his uncle and longtime coach, Toni, with instilling his trademark mental toughness.
From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 18, 2026
But the book offers hard-won advice for instilling principles across a workforce, no matter the size of the company.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 12, 2026
The idea is that prevention is better than a cure when it comes to instilling financial responsibility in young people.
From MarketWatch ● Jun. 16, 2026
Attenborough's programmes succeeded in instilling in the public an unparallelled passion and wonder for the natural world, said Gouyon.
From Barron's ● May 6, 2026
Far from instilling resentment, Martin told her, the patrollers’ diligence was a point of pride from county to county.
From "The Underground Railroad: A Novel" by Colson Whitehead
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Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
