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View synonyms for

instruct

[in-struhkt]

verb (used with object)

  1. to furnish with knowledge, especially by a systematic method; teach; train; educate.

    Synonyms: , , , , ,
  2. to furnish with orders or directions; direct; order; command.

    The doctor instructed me to diet.

    Synonyms:
  3. to furnish with information; inform; apprise.

    Synonyms:
  4. Law.(of a judge) to guide (a jury) by outlining the legal principles involved in the case under consideration.



instruct

/ ɪˈٰʌ /

verb

  1. to direct to do something; order

  2. to teach (someone) how to do (something)

  3. to furnish with information; apprise

  4. law

    1. (esp of a client to his solicitor or a solicitor to a barrister) to give relevant facts or information to

    2. to authorize (a barrister or solicitor) to conduct a case on a person's behalf

      to instruct counsel

“Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged” 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
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Other Word Forms

  • instructedly adverb
  • instructedness noun
  • instructible adjective
  • misinstruct verb (used with object)
  • overinstruct verb (used with object)
  • preinstruct verb (used with object)
  • quasi-instructed adjective
  • reinstruct verb (used with object)
  • self-instructed adjective
  • self-instructing adjective
  • uninstructible adjective
  • uninstructing adjective
  • well-instructed adjective
  • ˈٰܳپ adjective
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Word History and Origins

Origin of instruct1

First recorded in 1375–1425; late Middle English, from Latin instructus, past participle of instruere “to equip, train, set in order,” equivalent to in- “in” + struc- (variant stem of struere “to put together”) + -tus past participle suffix; in- 2
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Word History and Origins

Origin of instruct1

C15: from Latin instruere to construct, set in order, equip, teach, from struere to build
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Synonym Study

See teach.
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Example Sentences

Examples have not been reviewed.

She testified that its homelessness data system was “smoke and mirrors” and that she had been instructed by her supervisor “to do whatever we can to make the mayor look good.”

From

My right hand stretched forward to make the dots and dashes where Nielson instructed, but my butt was sticking as far back into the road as it could get.

From

His description matches accounts from his unit mates, who told Ukrainian investigators they were instructed to execute prisoners and throw grenades into dugouts even if the enemy had surrendered.

From

The real target, though, appears to be Johnson, who has failed to instruct the Capitol archictect to install the plaque; he plaintiffs hope the lawsuit will compel him to do so.

From

Officials have been instructed to carry out "immediate rescue and relief operations" and to make arrangements on a "war footing," the chief minister of Gujarat said.

From

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