INSTINCT • DICCIONARIO INGLES.COM • Definition of Instinct

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/ˈɪnstɪŋkt/ Listen

noun

Instinct n.

Natural inward impulse; unconscious, involuntary, or unreasoning prompting to any mode of action, whether bodily, or mental, without a distinct apprehension of the end or object to be accomplished. "An instinct is a propensity prior to experience, and independent of instructions." "An instinct is a blind tendency to some mode of action, independent of any consideration, on the part of the agent, of the end to which the action leads." "An instinct is an agent which performs blindly and ignorantly a work of intelligence and knowledge." "By a divine instinct, men's minds mistrust Ensuing dangers."

(Zool.) Specif., the natural, unreasoning, impulse by which an animal is guided to the performance of any action, without thought of improvement in the method. "The resemblance between what originally was a habit, and an instinct becomes so close as not to be distinguished."

A natural aptitude or knack; a predilection; as, an instinct for order; to be modest by instinct.

verb

Instinct v. t. To impress, as an animating power, or instinct. (Obs.)

adjective

Instinct adj. Urged or stimulated from within; naturally moved or impelled; imbued; animated; alive; quick; as, birds instinct with life. "The chariot of paternal deity... Itself instinct with spirit, but convoyed By four cherubic shapes." "A noble performance, instinct with sound principle."

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Etymology of 'Instinct'

Collaborative International Dictionary of English 0.48

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"Instinct" Quotes from Famous Books

... the wealth-controlling class have learned that "in union there is strength"; collectively they are gripped by the "cohesion of wealth"—the class conscious instinct of an associated group of human beings who have much to ...

— The American Empire • Scott Nearing

... John amiably, and started for the fire, such being his instinct, not with the purpose of getting warm, but of cooking something. And in half an hour he had a cup of ...

— The Lady and the Pirate - Being the Plain Tale of a Diligent Pirate and a Fair Captive • Emerson Hough

... King Leopold's instinct was not at fault, as the result proved; but it was not without the most careful consideration and many anxious consultations, especially with his trusty old friend, Baron Stockmar, that the King allowed himself to take the initiatory step ...

— Life of Her Most Gracious Majesty the Queen V.1. • Sarah Tytler

... to describe: and so in that respect is both a maker and a counterfaitor: and Poesiean art not only of making, but also of imitation. And this science in his perfection, can not grow, but by some diuine instinct, the Platonicks call it furor: or by excellencie of nature and complexion: or by great subtiltie of the spirits & wit or by much experience and obseruation of the world, and course of kinde, or peradventure by all or most part of them. Otherwise how was it possible that Homer ...

— The Arte of English Poesie • George Puttenham

... the will of other men, their equals only, clothed with no legal authority over them. It is a "Coercion" administered not by public and responsible functionaries, but by secret tribunals. Its sanctions are not the law and honest public opinion, but the base instinct of personal cowardice, and the instinct, not less base, of personal greed. Whether anything more than a steady, firm administration of the law is needed to abolish this "Coercion" is a matter as to which authorities differ. I should be glad to believe with Colonel Saunderson that "the Leaguers ...

— Ireland Under Coercion (2nd ed.) (2 of 2) (1888) • William Henry Hurlbert

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