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

The officer reported buying extra home security and instructing their spouse to take alternate routes home to avoid being followed.

From Los Angeles Times

The Department for Transport instructed the company to review its ticketing policy to ensure it was clear and fair to passengers and asked it to examine details of similar cases.

From BBC

“He then instructed me to press a few buttons on my phone.”

From BBC

John Actie, one of five men falsely accused of the murder, in one of Britain’s biggest miscarriages of justice, had instructed a solicitor to challenge the decision of the parole board.

From BBC

Her husband instructed her to get their gas mask.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

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