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.