instinct

Definition from Wiktionary, a free dictionary

Contents 1 English 1.1 Etymology 1.2 Pronunciation 1.3 Noun 1.3.1 Derived terms 1.3.2 Translations 1.3.3 External links 2 French 2.1 Etymology 2.2 Pronunciation 2.3 Noun 2.3.1 Related terms

[edit] English

Wikipedia

[edit] Etymology

From Latin instinctus, pp. of instinguere (“‘to incite, to instigate’”) < in (“‘in, on’”) + stinguere (“‘to prick’”)

[edit] Pronunciation

• IPA: /ˈɪnstɪŋkt/
• SAMPA: /"InstINkt/
•  Audio (US)^{help, file}

[edit] Noun

instinct (plural instincts)

1. A natural or inherent impulse or behaviour.

   Many animals fear fire by instinct.

   • 1921, Bertrand Russell, The Analysis of Mind:

     In spite of these qualifications, the broad distinction between instinct and habit is undeniable. To take extreme cases, every animal at birth can take food by instinct, before it has had opportunity to learn; on the other hand, no one can ride a bicycle by instinct, though, after learning, the necessary movements become just as automatic as if they were instinctive.

2. An intuitive reaction not based on rational conscious thought.

   Debbie's instinct was to distrust John.

[edit] Derived terms

• instinctively
• instinctive

[edit] Translations

[edit] External links

• instinct in Webster’s Revised Unabridged Dictionary, G. & C. Merriam, 1913
• instinct in The Century Dictionary, The Century Co., New York, 1911

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[edit] French

[edit] Etymology

Borrowed from Latin instinctus.

[edit] Pronunciation

• IPA: /ɛ̃stɛ̃/
•  audio^{help, file}

[edit] Noun

instinct m. (plural instincts)

1. instinct

[edit] Related terms

• instinctive