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

• instructible adjective
• instructedly adverb
• instructedness noun
• 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

Before the shutdown, Vought's office instructed federal agencies to prepare reduction-in-force plans aimed at cutting employees or programmes whose funding might lapse or were "not consistent with the President's priorities", Politico reported.

Read more on BBC

If they turn up for court hearings, as they are instructed to do, they could be arrested.

Read more on BBC

Ali said Charlton instructed him to come to the flat to help bury Karen's body in a makeshift grave in the back garden, right outside the flat's kitchen window.

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Although she claims that Cam is her favorite kid, she only half-listens to him when he says he’s headed to boot camp, instructing him to return home with a carton of milk.

Read more on Salon

Loan holders can instruct employers to hold up to 15% of a defaulted borrower’s paycheck.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

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