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Definitions for: Instinct
[n] inborn pattern of behavior often responsive to specific stimuli; "the spawning instinct in salmon"; "altruistic instincts in social animals"
Webster (1913) Definition: In*stinct", 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.
The chariot of paternal deity . . . Itself instinct
with spirit, but convoyed By four cherubic shapes.
--Milton.
A noble performance, instinct with sound principle.
--Brougham.
In"stinct, n. [L. instinctus instigation, impulse,
fr. instinguere to instigate: cf. F. instinct. See
Instinct, a.]
1. 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.
An instinct is a propensity prior to experience, and
independent of instructions. --Paley.
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.
An instinct is an agent which performs blindly and
ignorantly a work of intelligence and knowledge.
--Sir W.
Hamilton.
By a divine instinct, men's minds mistrust Ensuing
dangers. --Shak.
2. (Zo["o]l.) Specif., the natural, unreasoning, impulse by
which an animal is guided to the performance of any
action, without of improvement in the method.
The resemblance between what originally was a habit,
and an instinct becomes so close as not to be
distinguished. --Darwin.
3. A natural aptitude or knack; a predilection; as, an
instinct for order; to be modest by instinct.
In*stinct", v. t.
To impress, as an animating power, or instinct. [Obs.]
--Bentley.
Synonyms: inherent aptitude
See Also: aptitude, id
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