instill

especially British, in·stil

[in-stil]

verb (used with object)

instilled, instilling 

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

   to instill courtesy in a child.

   Synonyms: introduce, inculcate

2. to put in drop by drop.

Other Word Forms

• instiller noun
• instillment noun
• preinstill verb (used with object)

Word History and Origins

Origin of instill¹

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

Example Sentences

The Aussies, showing the same dogged spirit that Schmidt instilled in Ireland during his time in charge, kept snapping away at the hosts' heels and struck on the stroke of half-time.

Read more on Barron's

"I think he's certainly instilled a sense of pride. I think the players have come out and said quite openly that they've enjoyed the camp," added Wood when asked about the job Wane has done.

Read more on BBC

Like Orwellian newspeak, they instill nonsense like pregnant men and an existential climate apocalypse until even Bill Gates calls bull hockey.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

He described the University of Chicago as an "idyllic academic institution" where he was "instilled with the capacity for critical thought and an ethical compulsion not to suffer fools who impeded his search for truth".

Read more on BBC

We were more focused on finding a college that would support the values that we instilled in our son while teaching him to think critically and independently.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• diffuse 
• disseminate 
• engender 
• imbue 
• impart 
• inculcate 
• inject 
• inspire