instinct
//ˈɪn.stɪŋkt//
Forms
- Plural
- instincts
Definitions
1.A natural or inherent impulse or behaviour.
- Many animals fear fire by instinct.
- By a divine instinct, men's minds mistrust / Ensuing dangers.
2.An intuitive reaction not based on rational conscious thought.
- Debbie's instinct was to distrust John.
Frequency
Overall
Rare· #4367
By learning goal
- Everyday conversation
- Rare
- General reading & writing
- Rare
- Academic
- Rare
- Literature
- Rare
Etymology
From Latin īnstīnctus, past participle of īnstinguō (“to incite, to instigate”)
From in (“in, on”) + stinguō (“to prick”).