n. 1. An inborn pattern of behavior that is characteristic of a species and is often a response to specific environmental stimuli: the spawning instinct in salmon; altruistic instincts in social animals. 2. A powerful motivation or impulse. 3. An innate capability or aptitude: an instinct for tact and diplomacy. adj. (ĭn-stĭngkt) 1. Deeply filled or imbued: words instinct with love. 2. Obsolete Impelled from within. [Middle English, from Latin īnstīnctus, impulse, from past participle of īnstinguere, to incite : in-, intensive pref.; see IN-2 + stinguere, to prick; see steig- in the Appendix of Indo-European roots.] |
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