GNU Collaborative International Dictionary of English

Found 3 definitions

1.       
   Instinct , a. [L. instinctus, p. p. of instinguere to instigate, incite; cf. instigare to instigate. Cf. Instigate, Distinguish.] Urged or stimulated from within; naturally moved or impelled; imbued; animated; alive; quick; as, birds instinct with life.
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   The chariot of paternal deity . . . 
   Itself instinct with spirit, but convoyed
   By four cherubic shapes.
   Milton.
   
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   A noble performance, instinct with sound principle.
   Brougham.
   
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2.       
   Instinct , n. [L. instinctus instigation, impulse, fr. instinguere to instigate: cf. F. instinct. See Instinct, a.]
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   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.
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   An instinct is a propensity prior to experience, and independent of instructions.
   Paley.
   
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   An instinct is a blind tendency to some mode of action, independent of any consideration, on the part of the agent, of the end to which the action leads.
   Whately.
   
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   An instinct is an agent which performs blindly and ignorantly a work of intelligence and knowledge.
   Sir W. Hamilton.
   
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   By a divine instinct, men's minds mistrust
   Ensuing dangers.
   Shak.
   
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   (Zool.) Specif., the natural, unreasoning, impulse by which an animal is guided to the performance of any action, without thought of improvement in the method.
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   The resemblance between what originally was a habit, and an instinct becomes so close as not to be distinguished.
   Darwin.
   
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   A natural aptitude or knack; a predilection; as, an instinct for order; to be modest by instinct.
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3.       
   Instinct , v. t. To impress, as an animating power, or instinct. [Obs.]
   Bentley.
   
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