The meaning of INSTINCT is a natural or inherent aptitude, impulse, or capacity.

Instinct is the inherent inclination of a living organism towards a particular complex behaviour, containing innate (inborn) elements.

instinct, an inborn impulse or motivation to action typically performed in response to specific external stimuli. Today instinct is generally described as a stereotyped, apparently unlearned, genetically …

INSTINCT definition: 1. the way people or animals naturally react or behave, without having to think or learn about it…. Learn more.

Instinct is the natural tendency that a person or animal has to behave or react in a particular way. I didn't have as strong a maternal instinct as some other mothers. The basis for training relies on the dog's …

An inborn pattern of behavior that is characteristic of a species and is often a response to specific environmental stimuli: the spawning instinct in salmon; altruistic instincts in social animals.

Nov 11, 2025 · instinct (countable and uncountable, plural instincts) Many animals fear fire by instinct. In spite of these qualifications, the broad distinction between instinct and habit is undeniable.