transitive verb
also in·stil ə̇nzˈtil, ə̇nˈstil
( instilled ; instilled ; instilling ; instills also instils )
Etymology: Middle French & Latin; Middle French instiller, from Latin instillare, from in- in- (II) + stillare to drip, trickle — more at distill
1. : to introduce a drop at a time : cause to enter drop by drop
instill a few drops of warm olive oil
2. : to impart or introduce gradually : cause to be taken in little by little
instilling a reverence for honest dealings
instilled the teachings of his own faith
Synonyms: see implant