noun

instinct

IHN-stihngkt

noun

A behavior or urge that comes naturally, without being learned.

"Migration is driven by instinct in many bird species."

A gut feeling or reaction that happens without conscious thought.

"Her instinct told her something was wrong before she had any proof."

"Trust your instinct if a situation feels unsafe."

How to Use Instinct

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishA built-in, automatic reaction — either biological (like animal instinct) or a quick unexplained hunch.

Common pairings

maternal instinct gut instinct survival instinct act on instinct

more instinct comparative, instincts plural, most instinct superlative

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Migration is driven by _____ in many bird species.

From Latin instinctus, "impulse, instigation" — from instinguere, "to incite or spur on."