verb
instill
ihn-STIHL
verb
1
To gradually establish an idea, feeling, or value in someone's mind so it becomes part of who they are.
"Her parents instilled a strong work ethic in her from a young age."
"Good coaches instill confidence as much as skill."
2
To add a liquid slowly, drop by drop, often for medical purposes.
"The nurse instilled the eye drops carefully."
How to Use Instill
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishTo plant a lasting quality or belief in someone, bit by bit.
Common pairings
instill confidence
instill values
instill fear
instill a sense of
Word Forms
instilled past tense, instills singular
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Her parents _____ a strong work ethic in her from a young age.
Etymology
From Latin instillare, "to pour in drop by drop" — from in- ("in") + stilla ("a drop").