First Known Use: 15th century
Dictionary
1instinct
noun in·stinct \ˈin-ˌstiŋ(k)t\
: a way of behaving, thinking, or feeling that is not learned : a natural desire or tendency that makes you want to act in a particular way
: something you know without learning it or thinking about it
: a natural ability
Full Definition of INSTINCT
1
: a natural or inherent aptitude, impulse, or capacity <had an instinct for the right word>
2
a : a largely inheritable and unalterable tendency of an organism to make a complex and specific response to environmental stimuli without involving reason b : behavior that is mediated by reactions below the conscious level
— in·stinc·tu·al \in-ˈstiŋ(k)-chə-wəl, -chəl, -shwəl, -chü-əl\ adjective
— in·stinc·tu·al·ly adverb
See instinct defined for English-language learners
See instinct defined for kids
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Origin of INSTINCT
Middle English, from Latin instinctus impulse, from instinguere to incite; akin to Latin instigare to instigate
Other Psychology Terms
2instinct
adjective in·stinct \in-ˈstiŋ(k)t, ˈin-ˌ\
Definition of INSTINCT
1
obsolete : impelled by an inner or animating or exciting agency
2
: profoundly imbued : infused <my mood, instinct with romance — S. J. Perelman>
First Known Use of INSTINCT
1667
INSTINCT Defined for Kids
instinct
noun in·stinct \ˈin-ˌstiŋkt\
Definition of INSTINCT for Kids
1
: an act or course of action in response to a stimulus that is automatic rather than learned <It's a cat's instinct to hunt.>
2
: a way of knowing something without learning or thinking about it <Her instincts told her to wait.>
3
: a natural ability <He has an instinct for making money.>
Medical Dictionary
instinct
noun in·stinct \ˈin-ˌstiŋ(k)t\
Medical Definition of INSTINCT
1
: a largely inheritable and unalterable tendency of an organism to make a complex and specific response to environmental stimuli without involving reason
2
: behavior that is mediated by reactions below the conscious level
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