instinct

Noun

1. (countable, uncountable) A natural or inherent impulse or behaviour.
2. (countable, uncountable) An intuitive reaction not based on rational conscious thought.

Adj

Imbued, charged (with something).

Pronounced as (IPA)

/ˈɪn.stɪŋkt/

Etymology

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

Synonyms

intuition

insight

inherent aptitude

humanism

humanity

human nature

replete

sense

hunch

impetus

inclination

faculty

disposition

nature

natural intelligence

desire

tendency

genius

habit

behaviour

perception

animal instinct