instinct

[ˈɪnstɪŋkt]

instinct Definition

• 1. an innate, typically fixed pattern of behavior in animals in response to certain stimuli
• 2. a natural or intuitive way of acting or thinking

Using instinct: Examples

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

• Example

  The bird's instinct told it to fly south for the winter.

• Example

  Her maternal instincts kicked in when she saw the child crying.

• Example

  He had an instinct that something was wrong.

• Example

  The cat's hunting instinct is strong.

instinct Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms for instinct

• intuition
• urge
• impulse
• inclination
• drive

Antonyms for instinct

• reason
• deliberation

Idioms Using instinct

• follow one's instincts

  act according to one's natural or intuitive feeling about something

  Example

  She decided to follow her instincts and take the job offer.

• have a nose for something

  have a natural ability to detect or recognize something

  Example

  He has a nose for good deals and always manages to find the best bargains.

• go with the flow

  adapt to the prevailing situation or circumstances

  Example

  Instead of making a plan, we decided to just go with the flow and see where the day takes us.

Phrases with instinct

• gut instinct

  an instinctive feeling, as opposed to a reasoned one, about a particular course of action

  Example

  My gut instinct tells me that we should not trust him.

• killer instinct

  an aggressive and ruthless attitude or approach to achieving one's goals

  Example

  He has a killer instinct when it comes to business deals.

• fight or flight instinct

  a physiological response to a perceived threat, which prepares the body to either fight or flee

  Example

  When confronted by the bear, his fight or flight instinct kicked in.

Origins of instinct

from Latin 'instinctus', meaning 'impulse, prompting'

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Summary: instinct in Brief

'Instinct' [ˈɪnstɪŋkt] refers to an innate, often fixed pattern of behavior in animals, or a natural or intuitive way of acting or thinking in humans. Examples include the bird's instinct to fly south for the winter, and the gut instinct that tells us something is wrong. Phrases like 'gut instinct' and 'killer instinct' denote different aspects of this concept, while idioms like 'follow one's instincts' and 'go with the flow' suggest ways of acting on it.