instilled
Americanadjective
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infused slowly or gradually into the mind or feelings.
In some regions of the world, culturally instilled values are an enduring barrier to achieving sustainability.
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put into something drop by drop.
Where a patient reacts to the instilled eye medication with dilation of the pupils, it could suggest Horner's syndrome.
verb
Etymology
Origin of instilled
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.
He instilled confidence in me and made me believe I could achieve anything.
From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 24, 2026
Mabel’s grandmother instilled in her an appreciation for nature as a reminder that she’s part of something greater than herself.
From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 6, 2026
"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 • Feb. 6, 2026
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 • Jan. 31, 2026
No matter how much fear and suspicion he instilled in the players, Sam Westing knew that greed would keep them playing the game.
From "The Westing Game" by Ellen Raskin
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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.