Synonyms

instill

American

[in-stil] / ɪnˈstɪl /

especially British, instil

verb (used with object)

instilled, instilling

to infuse slowly or gradually into the mind or feelings; insinuate; inject.

to instill courtesy in a child.

Synonyms:

introduce, inculcate
to put in drop by drop.

Other Word Forms

instiller noun
instillment noun
preinstill verb (used with object)

Etymology

Origin of instill

First recorded in 1525–35; from Latin instillāre, equivalent to in- in- ² + stillāre “to drip”; distill

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.

"But the injuries really set me back and damaged my confidence a little, and maybe instilled some doubt in me for a period of time."

From Barron's

"He's got good control of the game. It instills confidence," said Austro.

From Barron's

But Arteta has provided the calm presence for his side and instilled confidence into his team as they look to go one better than the last three seasons, when they have finished in second place.

From BBC

His parents had instilled a habit of saving money, and a family friend who works in finance had begun teaching him about the benefits of investing early.

From MarketWatch

Jonathan also denounced "reports of intimidation, arrest and abductions" saying they "instilled fear and eroded public trust in the electoral process", AFP news agency reports.

From BBC

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