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instruct

Pronunciation: /ɪnˈstrʌkt/

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Definition of instruct

verb

  • 1 [reporting verb] tell or order someone to do something, especially in a formal or official way: [with object and infinitive]:she instructed him to wait [with direct speech]:‘Look at me,’ he instructed [with clause]:I instructed that she should be given hot, sweet tea
  • 2 [with object] teach (someone) a subject or skill:he instructed them in the use of firearms [with object and clause]:instructing electors how to record their votes
  • 3 [with object] Law (of a client) employ or authorize (a solicitor or barrister) to act on one’s behalf: he must indicate which of the firms he wishes to instruct
  • (of a solicitor) give directions or information to (a barrister) regarding a court case: she is skilled in interviewing clients and instructing counsel
  • 4 [with object] give information to (someone): [with clause]:the bank was instructed that the money from the deposit account was now held by the company

Origin:

late Middle English (in instruct (sense 2)): from Latin instruct- 'constructed, equipped, taught', from the verb instruere, from in- 'upon, towards' + struere 'pile up'

instruct in other Oxford dictionaries

Definition of instruct in the US English dictionary