instinct meaning

Noun: instinct  in'stingkt

1. Inborn pattern of behaviour often responsive to specific stimuli
   "the spawning instinct in salmon"; "altruistic instincts in social animals"
   - inherent aptitude

Adjective: instinct  in'stingkt

1. (followed by 'with') deeply filled or permeated
   "words instinct with love"
   - replete

Derived forms: instincts

See also: full

Type of: aptitude

Encyclopedia: Instinct

[Medicine]
Stereotyped patterns of response,characteristic of a given species,that have been phylogenetically adapted to a specific type of situation. n
1 : a largely inheritable and unalterable tendency of an organism to make a complex and specific response to environmental stimuli without involving reason
2 : behavior that is mediated by reactions below the conscious level

Examples

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1. after all, jon has the instincts of a gentleman.
2. libby had an instinct for essentials.
3. she appeared to know it by instinct.
4. i am afraid he lacks the killer instinct.