instinct 1
/in"stingkt/ , n.
1. an inborn pattern of activity or tendency to action common to a given biological species.
2. a natural or innate impulse, inclination, or tendency.
3. a natural aptitude or gift: an instinct for making money.
4. natural intuitive power.
[ 1375-1425; late ME instinctus prompting, instigation, enthusiasm, equiv. to * insting ( uere ) ( in- IN- 2 + * sting ( u ) ere presumably, to prick; see DISTINCT) + -tus suffix of v. action ]
Syn. 3. genius, knack, faculty, talent.
instinct 2
/in stingkt"/ , adj.
1. filled or infused with some animating principle (usually fol. by with ): instinct with life.
2. Obs. animated by some inner force.
[ 1530-40; instinctus excited, roused, inspired, ptp. of * insting ( u ) ere; see INSTINCT 1 ]