/ ɪnˈstrʌkt; NAmE / verb
1.
( formal ) to tell sb to do sth, especially in a formal or official way
SYN direct , order :
[ vn to inf ]
The letter instructed him to report to headquarters immediately.
[ vn wh- ]
You will be instructed where to go as soon as the plane is ready.
[ vn ]
She arrived at 10 o'clock as instructed .
[ v that ]
He instructed that a wall be built around the city.
( BrE also)
He instructed that a wall should be built around the city.
➡ note at order [also v speech , vn speech ]
2.
[ vn ] instruct sb (in sth) ( formal ) to teach sb sth, especially a practical skill :
All our staff have been instructed in sign language.
3.
[ vn that ] [ usually passive ] ( formal ) to give sb information about sth :
We have been instructed that a decision will not be made before the end of the week.
4.
[ vn , vn to inf ] ( law ) to employ sb to represent you in a legal situation, especially as a lawyer
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WORD ORIGIN
late Middle English (in sense 2): from Latin instruct- constructed, equipped, taught, from the verb instruere , from in- upon, towards + struere pile up.