Meaning & use

instilled

verb·Academic

Last updated

Gradually but firmly established an idea, attitude, or habit in someone's mind over time.

See it in a sentence

Her parents instilled a strong sense of discipline in her from an early age.

The coach instilled confidence in the young team before the final match.

A note on using this word

Instill (the base form) is almost always used with values, beliefs, or feelings rather than physical objects, and is typically followed by 'in' or 'into.'

Words with a similar meaning

ingrainedimbued

Choose a synonym to suit the sentence. Meanings can overlap without being identical.

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