instil

[ɪnˈstɪl]

instil Definition

• 1. gradually but firmly establish (an idea or attitude) in a person's mind
• 2. slowly drop (a liquid) into something

Using instil: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "instil" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

• Example

  Parents should instil good manners in their children.

• Example

  The coach tried to instil confidence in his players.

• Example

  She slowly instilled the dye into the fabric.

instil Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms for instil

• implant
• infuse
• imbue
• indoctrinate
• ingrain

Antonyms for instil

• eliminate
• remove
• erase

Phrases with instil

• instil fear

  make someone feel afraid or anxious

  Example

  The horror movie instilled fear in the audience.

• instil hope

  give someone a feeling of expectation and desire for a certain thing to happen

  Example

  The inspiring speech instilled hope in the listeners.

• instil doubt

  make someone feel uncertain or unsure about something

  Example

  The conflicting reports instilled doubt in the public.

Origins of instil

from Latin 'instillare', meaning 'to pour in drop by drop'

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Summary: instil in Brief

To 'instil' [ɪnˈstɪl] is to gradually but firmly establish an idea or attitude in someone's mind, as in 'Parents should instil good manners in their children.' It can also mean to slowly drop a liquid into something, as in 'She slowly instilled the dye into the fabric.' 'Instil' has related phrases like 'instil fear,' 'instil hope,' and 'instil doubt,' which respectively mean to make someone feel afraid, hopeful, or uncertain.