instinct

 

noun

Pronunciation: /ˈɪnstɪŋ(k)t/
  • an innate, typically fixed pattern of behaviour in animals in response to certain stimuli: the homing instinct
  • a natural or intuitive way of acting or thinking: they retain their old authoritarian instincts
  • a natural propensity or skill of a specified kind: his instinct for making the most of his chances
  • [mass noun] the fact or quality of possessing innate behaviour patterns: instinct told her not to ask the question

adjective

Pronunciation: /ɪnˈstɪŋ(k)t/
(instinct with) formal
  • imbued or filled with (a quality, especially a desirable one): these canvases are instinct with passion

Derivatives

instinctual

Pronunciation: /-ˈstɪŋ(k)tjʊəl/
adjective

instinctually

Pronunciation: /-ˈstɪŋ(k)tjʊəli/
adverb

Origin:

late Middle English (also in the sense 'instigation, impulse'): from Latin instinctus 'impulse', from the verb instinguere, from in- 'towards' + stinguere 'to prick'