Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of instill
First recorded in 1525–35; from Latin instillāre, equivalent to in- in- 2 + stillāre “to drip”; see distill
Explanation
Parents work hard to develop, or instill, positive beliefs and values in their children. Interestingly, there's no corresponding word for when parents pass down their bad habits. Instill comes from the Latin verb stillare, meaning "to drip." For some people, this word provides an apt metaphor for the way that parents and teachers cultivate understanding in young learners, patiently introducing wisdom "drop by drop." (Of course, for others, instill conjures up the image of a persistently dripping faucet that just won't be quiet.)
Vocabulary lists containing instill
I Am Malala
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Fever 1793
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Unit 3: Compelling Evidence
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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 goal for “Wishbone” was to make these stories accessible for children, paying homage to the source material, while aiming to instill young viewers with the interest to pick up the books themselves.
From Los Angeles Times • May 27, 2026
“Greater New York” does little to instill confidence that its cohort of artists will, like that of the first exhibition, stand the test of time.
From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 22, 2026
"I would hate to say no, nurseries aren't safe, that's only going to instill fear in people, I don't want that," Masi said.
From BBC • Apr. 17, 2026
Sayings designed to instill the value of hard work and dedication?
From Salon • Apr. 13, 2026
After all, a city that had gone wild would not instill much confidence in potential business investors.
From "The Great Fire" by Jim Murphy
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
