I. instruct adjective
Etymology: Middle English instructe, from Latin instructus (past participle)
1. obsolete : instructed
2. obsolete : provided , equipped
II. in·struct ə̇nzˈtrəkt, ə̇nˈst- verb
( -ed/-ing/-s )
Etymology: Middle English instructen, from Latin instructus, past participle of instruere, from in- in- (II) + struere to build, establish — more at structure
transitive verb
1. : to give special knowledge or information to: as
a. : to train in some special field : give skill or knowledge in some art or field of specialization : educate in respect to a particular subject or area of knowledge
had a tutor to instruct him in English
b. : to provide with information about something : apprise
instructed us that the toilets were downstairs
the senses instruct us of most material dangers
c. : to impart knowledge systematically to
instructed three generations of children in the village school
2.
a. : to furnish with directions based on informed or technical awareness of a problem
the judge instructed the jury
b. : to give an order or command to especially authoritatively, formally, and with attention to clearness : direct
instructs the eleven companions to await on the hill the outcome of the fight — R.M.Lumiansky
3.
a. archaic : to put in order : prepare
b. : to actuate and establish the controls of (an automatic electronic machine)
4. Scots law : to prove or establish on the basis of evidence : prove , confirm
intransitive verb
: to serve as an instructor
instructed in the public schools for many years
Synonyms: see command , teach