instil
Americanverb (used with object)
verb
-
to introduce gradually; implant or infuse
-
rare to pour in or inject in drops
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of instil
C16: from Latin instillāre to pour in a drop at a time, from stillāre to drip
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:
Like many of his predecessors, Alonso has been attempting to instil a stronger competitive edge within his squad and improve the mentality of his players.
From BBC ● Sep. 18, 2026
Overall, building out from the back has been a promising part of United's game in pre-season and where we have most clearly seen some of the principles Carrick has tried to instil in his squad.
From BBC ● Aug. 19, 2026
"If they're hungry, they'll eat. I don't force them to because I think that can instil pressure," says Doone, from London.
From BBC ● Jul. 21, 2026
"These are symbolic gestures of intimidation intended to instil fear, but they are not effective."
From Barron's ● Jan. 9, 2026
And this curiosity about music is something the Classical-era Greeks wanted to instil in younger generations.
From "The Story of Music" by Howard Goodall
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
The airstrikes have instilled deep fear in Ecuadoran fishermen.
From Barron's ● Sep. 4, 2026
But they are very much in keeping with the values which Painter and Meadows have instilled in a group that continue to hit spectacular heights.
From BBC ● Aug. 10, 2026
But the terror they instilled in me had possession over my body and soul.
From "The City Beautiful" by Aden Polydoros
Alongside his parents, Nadal credits his uncle and longtime coach, Toni, with instilling his trademark mental toughness.
From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 18, 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
Experts call this a type of fraud "social engineering" - where scammers dupe their victims using psychological manipulation, instilling fear and urgency.
From BBC ● Apr. 29, 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.
