ə̇nˈkəlˌkāt, ˈin(ˌ)kə-, usu -ād.+V transitive verb
( -ed/-ing/-s )
Etymology: Latin inculcatus, past participle of inculcare, literally, to tread on, from in- in- (II) + -culcare (from calcare to tread on, trample, from calc-, calx heel) — more at calk
1. : to teach and impress by frequent repetitions or admonitions : urge on or fix in the mind
they inculcated these principles at every opportunity
the current emotional religious revivals inculcated an enthusiasm for its strong feelings and vivid scenes — J.D.Hart
— often used with in or into, sometimes with upon
social pressures inculcate behavior patterns in the young
the techniques of plumbing were gradually inculcated upon his mind
2. : to cause (as a person) to become impressed or instilled with something
teachers who fail to inculcate students with love of knowledge
inculcated with every virtue
• in·cul·ca·tive ˈin(ˌ)kəlˌkād.iv, ə̇nˈkə- adjective
• in·cul·ca·to·ry ə̇nˈkəlkəˌtōrē, |in(ˌ)kəl|kād.ərē adjective
Synonyms: see implant