instinct

The definition of instinct is something you just know or sense.

(noun)

When a dog gives birth to puppies and immediately just begins to nurse, this is an example of when the mother dog acts on instinct.

See instinct in Webster's New World College Dictionary

noun

(an) inborn tendency to behave in a way characteristic of a species; natural, unlearned, predictable response to stimuli: suckling is an instinct in mammals
a natural or acquired tendency, aptitude, or talent; bent; knack; gift: an instinct for doing the right thing
Psychoanalysis a primal psychic force or drive, as fear, love, or anger; specif., in Freudian analysis, either the life instinct (Eros) or the death instinct (Thanatos)

Origin: < L instinctus, pp. of instinguere, to impel, instigate < in-, in + *stinguere, to prick: for IE base see stick

adjective

filled or charged (with): a look instinct with pity

Related Forms:

See instinct in American Heritage Dictionary 4

noun

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.
A powerful motivation or impulse.
An innate capability or aptitude: an instinct for tact and diplomacy.

adjective (ĭn-stĭngktˈ)