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:
COGE’s tightening of New York City’s belt could instill similar discontent.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 8, 2026
Broos, who took over as South Africa’s head coach in 2021, sought to instill discipline and relied on local talent, which was vital in securing a spot in this year’s World Cup.
From Los Angeles Times ● Jun. 9, 2026
At the very least, the president of the United States should instill hope in young children.
From Salon ● May 8, 2026
Young, urban professionals—known for their college degrees, willingness to work late and such harmless eccentricities as paying large markups for “local” produce—do not ordinarily instill terror.
From The Wall Street Journal ● May 8, 2026
The only way my father could think of to instill in me a sense of my heritage was to take me to dubbed Italian versions of the ancient Greek myths.
From "Middlesex: A Novel" by Jeffrey Eugenides
Tan has also made sweeping changes to management and priorities, many of which have boosted morale and instilled more confidence in customers.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 12, 2026
That definitely instilled in him this fear of confrontation, fear of any kind of high emotions.
From Salon ● Jul. 5, 2026
"They pursued their education, they built careers, they created lives that reflected the values their parents instilled in them."
From BBC ● Jun. 29, 2026
“We’re in great shape; we proved it against Portugal and Belgium, two teams that are among the world’s elite,” said Rangel, who noted that Ochoa has instilled a sense of calm in the team.
From Los Angeles Times ● Jun. 11, 2026
My father’s teaching had been instilled inside me: “You are no better than anyone else, but nobody else is better than you.”
From "Reaching for the Moon" by Katherine Johnson
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
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
Appointed inspector general of the Continental Army in May 1778, Steuben overhauled its drill, instilling the professionalism that contributed to final victory.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Apr. 27, 2026
I had so much—an education, a healthy sense of self, a deep arsenal of ambition—and I was wise enough to credit my mother, in particular, with instilling it in me.
From "Becoming" by Michelle Obama
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.
