¹instinct

noun in·stinct \ˈin-ˌstiŋ(k)t\

: a way of behaving, thinking, or feeling that is not learned : a natural desire or tendency that makes you want to act in a particular way

: something you know without learning it or thinking about it

: a natural ability

Full Definition of INSTINCT

: a natural or inherent aptitude, impulse, or capacity <had an instinct for the right word>

a : a largely inheritable and unalterable tendency of an organism to make a complex and specific response to environmental stimuli without involving reason

b : behavior that is mediated by reactions below the conscious level

— in·stinc·tu·al \in-ˈstiŋ(k)-chə-wəl, -chəl, -shwəl, -chü-əl\ adjective

— in·stinc·tu·al·ly adverb

See instinct defined for English-language learners

See instinct defined for kids

Origin of INSTINCT

Middle English, from Latin instinctus impulse, from instinguere to incite; akin to Latin instigare to instigate

First Known Use: 15th century

Other Psychology Terms

fetish, hypochondria, intelligence, mania, narcissism, neurosis, pathological, psychosis, schadenfreude, subliminal

²instinct

adjective in·stinct \in-ˈstiŋ(k)t, ˈin-ˌ\

Definition of INSTINCT

obsolete : impelled by an inner or animating or exciting agency

: profoundly imbued : infused <my mood, instinct with romance — S. J. Perelman>

First Known Use of INSTINCT

1667

INSTINCTUAL Defined for Kids

instinct

noun in·stinct \ˈin-ˌstiŋkt\

Definition of INSTINCT for Kids

: an act or course of action in response to a stimulus that is automatic rather than learned <It's a cat's instinct to hunt.>

: a way of knowing something without learning or thinking about it <Her instincts told her to wait.>

: a natural ability <He has an instinct for making money.>

Medical Dictionary

instinct

noun in·stinct \ˈin-ˌstiŋ(k)t\

Medical Definition of INSTINCT

: a largely inheritable and unalterable tendency of an organism to make a complex and specific response to environmental stimuli without involving reason

: behavior that is mediated by reactions below the conscious level