Liberal Dictionary English Dictionary
verb (used with object)
- to infuse slowly or gradually into the mind or feelings; insinuate; inject: to instill courtesy in a child.
- to put in drop by drop.
also instil, early 15c., “to introduce (liquid, feelings, etc.) little by little,” from Latin instillare “put in by drops, to drop, trickle,” from in- “in” (see in- (2)) + stilla “a drop” (see distill). Related: Instilled; instilling.
v.
- To pour in drop by drop.