I. ˈin-ˌstiŋ(k)t noun
Etymology: Middle English, from Latin instinctus impulse, from instinguere to incite; akin to Latin instigare to instigate
Date: 15th century
1. : a natural or inherent aptitude, impulse, or capacity
had an instinct for the right word
2.
a. : a largely inheritable and unalterable tendency of an organism to make a complex and specific response to environmental stimuli without involving reason
b. : behavior that is mediated by reactions below the conscious level
• in·stinc·tu·al in-ˈstiŋ(k)-chə-wəl, -chəl, -shwəl, -chü-əl adjective
• in·stinc·tu·al·ly adverb
II. in-ˈstiŋ(k)t, ˈin-ˌ adjective
Date: 1667
1. obsolete : impelled by an inner or animating or exciting agency
2. : profoundly imbued : infused
my mood, instinct with romance — S. J. Perelman