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.

For jaded adults and curious children alike, Amélie’s wide-eyed marvel of the world will instill new faith just when we could use it the most.

From Salon

Louis Sr. instilled that work ethic in all of his family growing up.

From Los Angeles Times

Uzzaman wants to instill the fundamentals, but he said the students’ focus may have rubbed off on him.

From The Wall Street Journal

Luckily, I had a great mom and dad who really instilled in me a sense of self.

From Los Angeles Times

Sennott’s advice reflects the same audacious energy she instills in Maia.

From Salon

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