Definition of instinct Instinct

/ɪˈnstɪŋkt/ - [instingkt] - in•stinct

We found 12 definitions of instinct from 6 different sources.

What does instinct mean?

Noun Plural: instincts
instinct - inborn pattern of behavior often responsive to specific stimuli; "the spawning instinct in salmon"; "altruistic instincts in social animals"
		inherent aptitude
		aptitude inherent ability
Adjective
instinct - (followed by `with')deeply filled or permeated; "imbued with the spirit of the Reformation"; "words instinct with love"; "it is replete with misery"
		replete

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instinct (Noun)
A natural or inherent impulse or behaviour.
instinct (Noun)
An intuitive reaction not based on rational conscious thought.

instinct (a.)
Urged or stimulated from within; naturally moved or impelled; imbued; animated; alive; quick; as, birds instinct with life.
instinct (a.)
Natural inward impulse; unconscious, involuntary, or unreasoning prompting to any mode of action, whether bodily, or mental, without a distinct apprehension of the end or object to be accomplished.
instinct (a.)
Specif., the natural, unreasoning, impulse by which an animal is guided to the performance of any action, without of improvement in the method.
instinct (a.)
A natural aptitude or knack; a predilection; as, an instinct for order; to be modest by instinct.
instinct (v. t.)
To impress, as an animating power, or instinct.

instinct
in′stingkt, n. impulse: an involuntary prompting to action: intuition: the mental aspect of those actions which take rank between unconscious reflex activities and intelligent conduct: the natural impulse by which animals are guided apparently independent of reason or experience.—adj. (in-stingkt′) instigated or incited: moved: animated.—adj. Instinc′tive, prompted by instinct: involuntary: acting according to or determined by natural impulse.—adv. Instinc′tively.—n. Instinctiv′ity (rare). [L. instinctus—instinguĕre, to instigate.]

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instinct in sign language