- in·stinct
- /ˈınˌstıŋkt/ noun, pl -stincts1 a : a way of behaving, thinking, or feeling that is not learned : a natural desire or tendency that makes you want to act in a particular way[count]
Our first instinct was to run.
Cats possess a natural hunting instinct.
Seeing the baby aroused all her maternal instincts.
[noncount]The decision was based on (gut) instinct.
— see also ↑killer instinct1 b : something you know without learning it or thinking about it[count]Her instincts told her that something was wrong. [=she believed that something was wrong even though there was no obvious reason to believe it]
You have to learn to trust/follow your instincts. [=to trust your feelings about what is right or true even when you cannot be sure that it is right or true]
He has been guided throughout his career by his political instincts.
[noncount]Mere instinct alerted her to the danger.
He knew by instinct what not to say.
She seemed to know by instinct that something was wrong.
— compare ↑intuition2 [count] : a natural abilityHe has a strong survival instinct.
an athlete with good instincts
— often + forHe has a strong instinct for survival.
She has a natural instinct for making the right decisions in her job.
— sometimes followed by to + verba strong instinct to survive
Useful english dictionary. 2012.