Definition

1. Verb:
   • To introduce gradually; to implant or infuse something (such as an idea, principle, or feeling) into a person's mind or heart over time. This is the most common meaning, focusing on the slow, steady process of imparting knowledge, values, or attitudes.
   • To put a liquid into something drop by drop. This is a more literal, and now less common, medical or technical usage.

Examples of Usage

• Verb (Imparting ideas/feelings):

  • Parents try to instil good manners in their children from a young age.
  • The coach's speech was meant to instil confidence in the team before the final match.
  • The goal of the program is to instil a love of reading.

• Verb (Introducing liquid):

  • The nurse had to instil the eye drops carefully. (This usage is often replaced by "administer" or "apply" in modern English.)

Advanced Usage

• "to instil something in/into someone": This is the standard prepositional pattern for the figurative meaning.
  • She instilled a sense of discipline into her students.
• "to instil something with something": This pattern is less common but possible, meaning to fill or permeate something with a quality.
  • The ceremony was instilled with great solemnity.

Variants and Related Words

• Instill: The preferred spelling in American English. The word "instil" is the preferred spelling in British English.
• Instillation (noun): The act or process of instilling.
  • The instillation of democratic values is crucial.
  • The instillation of the medication was painless.
• Instiller (noun): One who instills.

Synonyms

• Implant: To fix or set securely or deeply.
• Inculcate: To teach and impress by frequent repetitions or admonitions.
• Impress: To affect deeply or strongly in mind or feelings.
• Infuse: To introduce, as if by pouring; cause to penetrate; instill.

Related Phrasal Verbs

(This word is not typically used in phrasal verb constructions. The action is contained within the single verb.)

Related Idioms

(There are no common idioms that use the word "instil" as a key component. Its meaning is usually expressed directly.)

Verb

1. enter drop by drop
   • instill medication into my eye