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instinct

noun

/ˈɪn stɪŋkt/

IPA:

Dictionary definition of instinct

An innate, natural, and intuitive behavior or tendency that is inherent in animals and humans.
"The mother bird's instinct led her to build a sturdy nest for her eggs."

Detailed meaning of instinct

Instincts are automatic and unconscious responses to stimuli, programmed within an organism's biological makeup. They are unlearned, instinctive reactions that guide behavior without conscious thought or reasoning. Instincts play a vital role in survival, reproduction, and adaptation to the environment. They can manifest in various ways, such as instinctual drives for food, self-preservation, territoriality, parental care, migration, or social bonding. Instincts are deeply rooted in genetic and evolutionary factors, shaped by the experiences of previous generations. Unlike learned behaviors, instincts are present from birth or develop at specific stages of an organism's life. They are powerful and instinctual responses that contribute to an organism's ability to navigate its surroundings and ensure its survival and reproductive success.

Example sentences containing instinct

1. The survival instinct kicked in, prompting him to run from the approaching danger.
2. Instinct told her to trust her gut feeling and make a different choice.
3. The predator relied on its hunting instincts to track down its prey.
4. A mother's instinct to protect her child is incredibly strong.
5. His instinct for self-preservation guided him to take cover during the storm.
6. The instinct to flee overcame the herd of startled deer.

History and etymology of instinct

The noun 'instinct' has its etymological roots in the Latin word 'instinctus,' which is the past participle of 'instinguere.' 'Instinguere' is a combination of 'in,' meaning 'toward,' and 'stinguere,' meaning 'to prick' or 'to goad.' Originally, it was associated with an animal's natural, inner prompting or impulse that drove it to take certain actions or behaviors. Over time, this notion evolved, and 'instinct' came to represent the innate, natural, and intuitive behaviors or tendencies inherent in both animals and humans. Therefore, etymologically, 'instinct' signifies a compelling inner drive or impulse that propels creatures to act in specific ways, as if prodded or guided by an intrinsic force.

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Further usage examples of instinct

1. The kitten's instinct prompted it to pounce on the moving toy.
2. Instinctively, she reached out her hand to catch the falling object.
3. The instinct of the baby turtle drove it towards the ocean after hatching.
4. The athlete's instinct propelled him to make a split-second decision and change his strategy.
5. The instincts of the pack animals allowed them to communicate and work together seamlessly.
6. Instinct guided the fox as it stealthily stalked its prey through the moonlit forest.
7. The mother's instinct to protect her cubs was unwavering, even in the face of danger.
8. His survival instinct kicked in as he struggled to stay afloat in the turbulent waters.
9. The instinct to flee overwhelmed the deer as it sensed the approaching predator.
10. Instinct told her that venturing deeper into the dark cave was a grave mistake.
11. Despite his fear, his survival instinct urged him to confront the looming threat.
12. The chef's instinct for flavor combinations created a culinary masterpiece.
13. Instinctively, she reached out to catch the falling vase before it shattered.
14. The firefighter's instincts kicked in as he rushed into the burning building.
15. The astronaut's training and instinct for problem-solving saved the mission.
16. The instinct to huddle together for warmth kept the penguins alive in the harsh cold.
17. The instinctual bond between parent and child is a powerful force in nature.
18. Trust your instincts when making important decisions; they often know best.
19. The detective's keen instinct for details helped solve the complex case.
20. Instinctively, he knew when to make his move in the chess game.
21. The explorer's survival instinct led him to find water in the arid desert.
22. Her maternal instinct made her an exceptional caregiver for the orphaned kittens.
23. The cat's instinct for hunting was evident as it pounced on a passing mouse.
24. Instinct drove the salmon to swim upstream to their spawning grounds.
25. He relied on his instinct for navigation in the dense, uncharted jungle.