rhizoverbBeta
DictionaryinstillGradually establish
verb

instill

in-STIL/ɪnˈstɪl/

To gradually establish an idea, feeling, or quality in someone.

Repeated demonstrations instill the habit of placing keys in the tray.

Three simple sequential vignettes show a man gradually instilling the habit of putting keys in a tray: he first demonstrates, then gently reminds an older woman, and finally she does it independently.
Etymology
inLatinin, into
+stillLatina drop

The pieces evoke putting something in drop by drop. That image applies to introducing feelings or ideas little by little, rather than all at once.

In context

Politics and Prose29:49
tried to instill in them some idea of what democracy should look like my guess is he did the same thing in in African countries as well
Elaine S. Povich, "John McCain: American Maverick"

More examples

  • Her parents instilled a love of reading.
  • The course aims to instill careful habits.
  • Years of practice had instilled patience.

Forms

instill · instills · instilled · instilling

Similar words

inculcate
Inculcate likewise means establish through repeated teaching; instill often suggests gradual, gentle influence.
encourage
Encourage promotes something; instill aims to establish it firmly within a person.