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

MPs will have their say on the issue later this month – in what is known as a free vote, where they are not instructed how to vote by their parties.

From BBC

Coltart then instructed another law firm to pursue a legal case against Smyth who was eventually charged with culpable homicide over Guide’s death, as well as charges relating to the beatings.

From BBC

On Monday, Smotrich said that 2025 would be "the year of sovereignty" in the West Bank, adding that he had instructed Israeli authorities to begin preparatory work for annexation of the occupied territory.

From BBC

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

Related Words

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