Meaning & Definition of word "Instinct"

Instinct

/ˈɪn.stɪŋkt/

noun:

  • 1. An innate or natural impulse or tendency to behave in a particular way.
    • Example: A mother’s instinct often drives her to protect her children.
  • 2. A natural or intuitive way of acting or thinking.
    • Example: His instinct told him to be cautious when entering the dark alley.
  • 3. A complex reaction, often involving biological mechanisms, that leads to specific behaviors.
    • Example: Birds have an instinct to migrate south for the winter.
  • 4. A behavior that is performed without conscious thought or reasoning.
    • Example: The cat's instinct to hunt was evident as it stalked its prey.

Etymology

From Latin 'instinctus' meaning 'impulse, indication, or instinct'.

Common Phrases and Expressions

follow your instinct:

to trust and act based on one's natural feelings

instinctive behavior:

actions that occur naturally without conscious thought

gut instinct:

a strong intuitive feeling or sense about something

Related Words

intuition:

The ability to understand something immediately, without the need for conscious reasoning.

reflex:

An automatic, instinctive response to a stimulus.

Slang Meanings of instinct

Meaning: Going with your gut

Example Sentence: I had a gut feeling about the situation.

Meaning: Trust your gut

Example Sentence: I've learned to trust my gut in tough situations.