■ noun 'ɪnstɪŋ(k)t
1》 an innate pattern of behaviour in animals in response to certain stimuli.
↘a natural or intuitive way of acting or thinking.
2》 a natural propensity or skill.
■ adjective ɪn'stɪŋ(k)t ( ~ with ) formal imbued or filled with (a quality).
Derivatives
~ual adjective
~ually adverb
Origin
ME: from L. ~us 'impulse', from instinguere , from in- 'towards' + stinguere 'to prick'.