verb (used with object), in·cul·cat·ed, in·cul·cat·ing.
- to implant by repeated statement or admonition; teach persistently and earnestly (usually followed by upon or in): to inculcate virtue in the young.
- to cause or influence (someone) to accept an idea or feeling (usually followed by with): Socrates inculcated his pupils with the love of truth.
verb
- (tr) to instil by forceful or insistent repetition
1540s, from Latin inculcatus, past participle of inculcare “force upon, stamp in, tread down,” from in- “in” (see in- (2)) + calcare “to tread, press in,” from calx (1) “heel.” Related: Inculcated; inculcating.