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:
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
Gordon: I hope this guy can instil a new style into the team.
From BBC ● Aug. 17, 2026
"These are symbolic gestures of intimidation intended to instil fear, but they are not effective."
From Barron's ● Jan. 9, 2026
A few weeks into the course, the new entrants bent their hands, legs and bodies as trainer Hang Sophea sought to instil the basics.
From Barron's ● Dec. 31, 2025
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
The book and the film — I consumed both and can report that Steven Spielberg’s adaptation is better — only instilled in me a deeper love and respect for sharks.
From Salon ● Oct. 9, 2026
While Forest head coach Oliver Glasner has work to do to get his side scoring goals, he's already instilled a solid foundation to build from at the back, as has Andoni Iraola at Liverpool.
From BBC ● Sep. 23, 2026
Dydzuhn also weighed in, writing that she’s only alive because of the values of courage and integrity instilled in Cassius, calling him her hero.
From Los Angeles Times ● Sep. 22, 2026
The airstrikes have instilled deep fear in Ecuadoran fishermen.
From Barron's ● Sep. 4, 2026
“We considered taking a stand, being arrested and going to jail to be an event that instilled the utmost pride,” one student demonstrator explained.
From "Because They Marched" by Russell Freedman
Alongside his parents, Nadal credits his uncle and longtime coach, Toni, with instilling his trademark mental toughness.
From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 18, 2026
But from the moment he was introduced as the American boss in 2024, he committed to instilling a more dynamic playing style in his limited training camps.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jun. 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
If his upbringing at the abbey had specialized in anything, it was instilling a profound sense of unworthiness.
From "Strange the Dreamer" by Laini Taylor
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