v.tr. (past and past part. taught) 1 a give systematic information to (a person) or about (a subject or skill). b (absol.) practise this professionally. c enable (a person) to do something by instruction and training (taught me to swim; taught me how to dance). 2 advocate as a moral etc. principle (my parents taught me tolerance). 3 (foll. by to + infin.) a induce (a person) by example or punishment to do or not to do a thing (that will teach you to sit still; that will teach you not to laugh). b colloq. make (a person) disinclined to do a thing (I will teach you to interfere). teach-in 1 an informal lecture and discussion on a subject of public interest. 2 a series of these. teach a person a lesson see LESSON. teach school US be a teacher in a school.
[ OE tcan f. a Gmc root = 'show' ]