B2nounnatureemotions
US/ˈɪn.stɪŋkt/
UK/ˈɪn.stɪŋkt/
a natural way of behaving or feeling that you do not have to learn or think about
In context
Birds know by instinct when to fly south for the winter.
My first instinct was to run, but I stayed calm.
Trust your instincts when a deal seems too good to be true.
Words that go with instinct
noun + noun
- survival instinctLost in the jungle, his survival instinct took over.
- gut instinctMy gut instinct told me not to sign the contract.
adjective + noun
- first instinctHer first instinct was to call her mother.
- maternal instinctThe cat's maternal instinct made her protect the kittens fiercely.
- natural instinctIt is a natural instinct to protect your family.
verb + noun
- trust your instinctsAs a new manager, learn to trust your instincts.