transitive verb taught, teaching teach′·ing

1. to show or help (a person) to learn (how) to do something to teach a child (how) to swim
2. to give lessons to (a student, pupil, or class); guide the studies of; instruct
3. to give lessons in (a subject) to someone; help someone to develop (a skill or trait) teaches French, taught him self-discipline
4. 1. to provide (a person) with knowledge, insight, etc. the accident that taught her to be careful
   2. to attempt to cause someone to understand or accept (a precept or philosophy), esp. by one's own example or preaching her life itself teaches nonviolence
5. to give instruction at or in (a place) to teach school

Etymology: ME techen < OE tæcan < base of tacn, a sign, symbol (see token); basic sense “to show, demonstrate,” as in Ger zeigen

intransitive verb