instinct
/ˈɪn.stɪŋkt/
Proposed by a contributor, not yet supported by evidence.
Also seen as: instincts
Sense 1
Meaning · English
A natural or inherent impulse or behaviour.
Noun
Examples
Many animals fear fire by instinct.
Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)
Sources & notes
Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).
Sense 2
Meaning · English
An intuitive reaction not based on rational conscious thought.
Noun
Examples
an instinct for order; to be modest by instinct
Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)
Sources & notes
Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).
Common questions
What does “instinct” mean?
A natural or inherent impulse or behaviour.
Is “instinct” formal or informal?
No register label has been reviewed yet — treat it as neutral and check the usage notes above.