instruct

[in-struhkt]

verb (used with object)

1. to furnish with knowledge, especially by a systematic method; teach; train; educate.

   Synonyms: school, indoctrinate, discipline, drill, coach, tutor

2. to furnish with orders or directions; direct; order; command.

   The doctor instructed me to diet.

   Synonyms: prescribe

3. to furnish with information; inform; apprise.

   Synonyms: enlighten

4. Law.,  (of a judge) to guide (a jury) by outlining the legal principles involved in the case under consideration.

instruct

/ ɪnˈstrʌkt /

verb

1. to direct to do something; order

2. to teach (someone) how to do (something)

3. to furnish with information; apprise

4. law

   1. (esp of a client to his solicitor or a solicitor to a barrister) to give relevant facts or information to

   2. to authorize (a barrister or solicitor) to conduct a case on a person's behalf

      to instruct counsel

Other Word Forms

• instructedly adverb
• instructedness noun
• instructible adjective
• misinstruct verb (used with object)
• overinstruct verb (used with object)
• preinstruct verb (used with object)
• quasi-instructed adjective
• reinstruct verb (used with object)
• self-instructed adjective
• self-instructing adjective
• uninstructible adjective
• uninstructing adjective
• well-instructed adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of instruct¹

First recorded in 1375–1425; late Middle English, from Latin instructus, past participle of instruere “to equip, train, set in order,” equivalent to in- “in” + struc- (variant stem of struere “to put together”) + -tus past participle suffix; in- ²

Word History and Origins

Origin of instruct¹

C15: from Latin instruere to construct, set in order, equip, teach, from struere to build

Synonym Study

See teach.

Example Sentences

Visiting journalists are instructed not to answer any questions from inmates seeking even mundane information.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

As of 8 p.m., incident command had instructed that no firefighting members go below deck.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

The order, known as an administrative stay, was granted by Justice Samuel Alito, who instructed challengers to file a response to the Texas petition by Monday afternoon.

Read more on Barron's

"As the result of a report received from the independent air quality assurance company, the Education Authority has instructed immediate closure of the four mobile classrooms," the letter said.

Read more on BBC

“We never instructed this employee to work this way. We will have the police investigate this matter.”

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• advise 
• brief 
• discipline 
• disclose 
• educate 
• guide 
• notify 
• tell 
• train 
• tutor