instinct

Meanings

1. 1
   noun

   inborn pattern of behavior often responsive to specific stimuli

   the spawning instinct in salmon

2. 2
   noun

   A natural or inherent impulse or behaviour.

   Many animals fear fire by instinct.

3. 3
   noun

   An intuitive reaction not based on rational conscious thought.

   an instinct for order; to be modest by instinct

4. 4
   adj

   Imbued, charged (with something).

   The chariot of paternal deity […] / Itself instinct with spirit, but convoyed / By four cherubic shapes.

5. 5
   adj

   (followed by `with')deeply filled or permeated

Etymology

From Latin īnstīnctus, past participle of īnstinguō (“to incite, to instigate”), from in (“in, on”) + stinguō (“to prick”).