instill
gb/ɪnstˈɪl/ us/ɪnstˈɪl/
C1
Anglais
Sens
0 sens
Verbe
formal
C1
action
1
gradually teach a value or idea
to slowly teach someone a value or idea until they accept it
Schéma d’usage :
instill [an idea/value/habit] in/into [someone]
Erreur fréquente :
Often used with in/into + a person (e.g., instill respect in students), not for putting physical objects somewhere.
Synonymes
inculcate (Very close in meaning, but often more formal and academic.)
|
implant (More metaphorical; suggests placing an idea firmly in the mind.)
|
drill (Emphasizes repetition and practice; can sound stricter.)
Antonymes
undermine (To weaken an idea, value, or belief rather than build it up.)
|
erode (To gradually wear away a belief or attitude over time.)
Collocations
instill values
|instill discipline
|instill respect
|instill a sense of responsibility
|instill good habits
|instill a love of reading
|instill pride
|instill belief
|instill the importance of
|instill awareness
Thèmes
education
|parenting
|beliefs
|personal_development
Exemples
- Her parents instilled a strong work ethic in her from a young age.
- The program aims to instill healthy habits into children before they start school.
- Good teachers instill curiosity and confidence in their students.
Exemples pédagogiques
- My coach instilled discipline in the team.
- Schools try to instill respect in students.
Verbe
formal
C1
action
2
make someone feel fear or confidence
to make someone start to feel something strongly
Schéma d’usage :
instill [fear/confidence/hope] in [someone]
Erreur fréquente :
Learners may confuse instill with inspire; instill suggests a gradual or deliberate effect, often by repeated influence.
Synonymes
inspire (Often more positive and less deliberate; not necessarily gradual.)
|
create (More general; does not imply gradual building.)
|
provoke (Often used for negative reactions; suggests triggering rather than building.)
Antonymes
allay (To reduce a feeling such as fear or anxiety.)
|
dispel (To make a feeling or belief disappear.)
Collocations
instill confidence
|instill fear
|instill hope
|instill trust
|instill doubt
|instill pride
|instill anxiety
|instill a sense of security
Thèmes
emotions
|communication
|psychology
Exemples
- The new manager quickly instilled confidence in the team.
- Years of propaganda were designed to instill fear in the population.
- Her calm explanation helped instill hope in everyone listening.
Exemples pédagogiques
- This success instilled confidence in me.
- The story instilled fear in the children.
Verbe
technical
C2
action
3
put drops of liquid into something
to put liquid in drop by drop (usually medicine)
Schéma d’usage :
instill [drops/liquid] into [an eye/ear/wound]
Erreur fréquente :
This meaning is usually used in medical contexts; in everyday English people often say put in or drop in.
Synonymes
administer (Broader medical term; not specific to drops.)
|
drip (More general and informal; focuses on the physical action.)
Antonymes
drain (To remove liquid rather than put it in.)
|
extract (To take something out, especially in a medical procedure.)
Collocations
instill eye drops
|instill drops into the eye
|instill medication
|instill saline
|instill antibiotic drops
|instill into the ear
Thèmes
health
|medicine
Exemples
- The nurse instilled two drops of the solution into each eye.
- After cleaning the wound, the doctor instilled an antiseptic liquid into it.
- Instructions say to instill the drops at bedtime.
Exemples pédagogiques
- Instill one drop into your eye.
- The doctor instilled medicine into his ear.
Grammaire
Forme canonique
instill
API
GB/ɪnstˈɪl/
US/ɪnstˈɪl/
Syllabes et accentuation
in - still (2 syllabes)
Stress on 2nd syllable (still)
Formes du mot
Verb
- Base: instill
- 3rd Person Singular: instills, instils
- Present Participle: instilling
- Past: instilled
- Past Participle: instilled
Famille de mots
Forms
instills
verb
instils
verb
instilling
verb
instilled
verb
Core family
instillation
noun
Related words
instil
verb C1
Expressions
instill confidence (in someone)
1/ɪnstˈɪl kˈɑnfədəns ˈɪn sˈʌmwˌʌn/
fixed phrase
formal
make someone feel confident
to help someone feel confident
Exemples
- Clear communication helps instill confidence in customers.
- Her steady leadership instilled confidence in the whole department.
- The coach’s feedback instilled confidence in the players.
instill fear (in someone)
1/ɪnstˈɪl fˈɪɹ ˈɪn sˈʌmwˌʌn/
fixed phrase
formal
make someone feel afraid
to make someone feel fear
Exemples
- The campaign used shocking images to instill fear in voters.
- The bully tried to instill fear in younger students.
- Rumors can instill fear in a community very quickly.
instill in
1/ɪnstˈɪl ˈɪn/
fixed phrase
formal
put an idea into someone
use this to say who gets the idea or feeling
Exemples
- The course is designed to instill good study habits in new students.
- Her speech instilled a sense of pride in the audience.
- They tried to instill fear in him, but it didn’t work.