instinct

in-stinct · noun

imported

Definitions

noun

  1. 1.

    An innate, fixed pattern of behavior in animals and humans in response to certain stimuli; a natural tendency to act in a particular way without conscious thought.

  2. 2.

    A natural ability or skill; an innate capacity for a particular activity or way of thinking.

Forms

plural: instincts

Phrases & expressions

  • •
    by instinct — naturally, without thinking
  • •
    gut instinct — a strong intuitive feeling about something
  • •
    killer instinct — the ruthless determination to succeed
  • •
    survival instinct — the innate drive to stay alive

Related words

Antonyms: logic, reason
See also: behavior, impulse, intuition
Synonyms: impulse, intuition, urge

Etymology

From Latin instinctus ("impulse, instigation"), from instinguere ("to incite, urge"), from in- ("in, upon") + stinguere ("to prick, goad"). The word entered English in the early 15th century.