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.
See Examples For:
Pandas are "animals that have got a unique ability to inspire curiosity, instill passion, evoke joy, and unite people around the globe," CEO Raymond King told onlookers at Zoo Atlanta.
From Barron's ● Nov. 7, 2026
To make up for this, Gray’s team tried to enlist several leading academic historians to instill more of an overarching narrative structure.
From Salon ● Sep. 25, 2026
Home improvement has the rare characteristic in retail where a customer’s appetite and spending are limitless, and a knowledgeable salesperson can instill confidence in customers to tackle larger—and bigger budget—projects.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Sep. 18, 2026
It’s one of many safety nets in place that should instill confidence when we board planes, cruise ships or simply pack up the car for a weekend getaway.
From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 26, 2026
An attempt to instill order into a world gone wrong.
From "The God of Small Things" by Arundhati Roy
As her husband, Sang-woo—who comes from money and is now a businessman, often dealmaking in genteel English over the phone—Mr. Zo embodies an entitlement so deeply instilled that it almost doesn’t register.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 22, 2026
He is unwavering in his belief that the newly constructed Lakers can compete for an NBA championship this season and that is the conviction coach JJ Redick has instilled into his group.
From Los Angeles Times ● Oct. 19, 2026
That fearless approach instilled confidence and ambition in her teammates, helping the team overcome even the previously unbeatable Australians, most memorably in the semi-final of the 2025 ODI World Cup.
From BBC ● Oct. 7, 2026
The airstrikes have instilled deep fear in Ecuadoran fishermen.
From Barron's ● Sep. 4, 2026
The threat of Bologna to others had instilled in Doc Daneeka an even more poignant solicitude for his own safety.
From "Catch-22" by Joseph Heller
Carlos Beltrán credits his father with instilling his work ethic by winning “perfect attendance” certificates every year for 35 years at his company.
From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 26, 2026
The idea is that prevention is better than a cure when it comes to instilling financial responsibility in young people.
From MarketWatch ● Jun. 16, 2026
Not only in picking up 11 points from seven games to preserve the club's top-flight status, but his growing influence is instilling belief in the squad.
From BBC ● May 27, 2026
Attenborough's programmes succeeded in instilling in the public an unparallelled passion and wonder for the natural world, said Gouyon.
From Barron's ● May 6, 2026
Far from instilling resentment, Martin told her, the patrollers’ diligence was a point of pride from county to county.
From "The Underground Railroad: A Novel" by Colson Whitehead
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Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
