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instinct
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)
adjective
filled or charged (with): a look instinct with pity
Related Forms:
- instinctual adjective
See instinct in American Heritage Dictionary 4
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