instil

American  

[in-stil] / ɪnˈstɪl /

verb (used with object)

instilled, instilling

1. Chiefly British. a variant of instill.

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instil British  

/ ɪnˈstɪl /

verb

1. to introduce gradually; implant or infuse

2. rare to pour in or inject in drops

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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

"It's also possible of course, but unlikely, that the photos have been taken from the internet and were being used to instil fear in rivals and enemies of the Lyons gang."

From BBC • Apr. 21, 2026

"It just doesn't make any sense to me whatsoever, and it may not instil any confidence in people wanting to undertake the course that I have done, and be a nurse."

From BBC • Apr. 10, 2026

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

From Barron's • Jan. 9, 2026

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 • Dec. 31, 2025

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