Meaning & Definition of word "Instill"

Instill

/ɪnˈstɪl/

1. To gradually but firmly establish an idea or attitude in a person's mind.
- Example: The teacher aims to instill a love for reading in her students.
2. To introduce or impart a quality or feeling into someone or something.
- Example: The camp is designed to instill confidence and teamwork in young athletes.
3. To put a substance into something, usually in a slow or gentle manner.
- Example: You should instill the medication into the ear canal slowly.

Late Middle English: from in- 'into' + still (in the sense 'to place').

instill fear:

to create fear in someone gradually

instill values:

to teach values or beliefs gradually

instill confidence:

to gradually build someone's confidence

inculcate:

to teach and impress by frequent repetition

impart:

to make (information) known

inject:

to introduce something into something else

Meaning: to drill into someone

Example Sentence: He's trying to instill discipline in his kids, really drilling it into them.

Meaning: to brainwash

Example Sentence: Some think they can instill their own views into others as a form of brainwashing.