instruct

[ in-struhkt ]

verb (used with object)

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

   Synonyms: school, indoctrinate, discipline, drill, coach, tutor

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

   The doctor instructed me to diet.

   Synonyms: prescribe

3. to furnish with information; inform; apprise.

   Synonyms: enlighten

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

instruct

/ ɪnˈstrʌkt /

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

Derived Forms

• inˈstructible, adjective

Other Words From

• in·structed·ly adverb
• in·structed·ness noun
• in·structi·ble adjective
• misin·struct verb (used with object)
• over·in·struct verb (used with object)
• prein·struct verb (used with object)
• quasi-in·structed adjective
• rein·struct verb (used with object)
• self-in·structed adjective
• self-in·structing adjective
• unin·structi·ble adjective
• unin·structing adjective
• well-in·structed adjective

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of instruct¹

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

Synonym Study

See teach.

Example Sentences

But the question, he said, was what Hegseth would do if Trump ordered him to instruct the military to perform illegal acts.

From Los Angeles Times

“I will instruct my cabinet that I expect results within the first 100 days, or much sooner than that.”

From BBC

He has said he would instruct federal agencies to interpret the amendment long-held to grant citizenship to any person born on U.S. soil to exclude "the future children of illegal aliens."

From Salon

And as president, he could instruct his justice department to drop the federal charges against him relating to the 6 January riots so he doesn’t have to worry about a jail sentence.

From BBC

In midlife, he’s begun collecting any talisman he feels may instruct him in how to live.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• advise
• brief
• discipline
• disclose
• educate
• guide
• notify
• tell
• train
• tutor