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instinct
instinct definition
in·stinct (in′stiŋkt′; for adj. in stiŋkt′, in′stiŋkt′)
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)
Etymology: < 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:
- instinctual in·stinc′·tual (in stiŋk′c̸ho̵̅o̅ əl) adjective
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