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

Other Word Forms

• instructible adjective
• instructedly adverb
• instructedness noun
• misinstruct verb (used with object)
• overinstruct verb (used with object)
• preinstruct verb (used with object)
• quasi-instructed adjective
• reinstruct verb (used with object)
• self-instructed adjective
• self-instructing adjective
• uninstructible adjective
• uninstructing adjective
• well-instructed 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

Marina from Tula says her mother, a school teacher, was instructed to download the messenger but claimed to her superiors that she didn't have a smartphone.

From BBC

But the Conservative-run council said on Thursday its legal team had been instructed to proceed with an application to the Supreme Court.

From BBC

Rayner instructs a senior lawyer to review her tax position that evening.

From BBC

Most have moved towards the coast and only a third have left for the south, as the Israeli military has instructed.

From BBC

Only a third have left for southern Gaza, as the Israeli military has instructed.

From BBC

Related Words

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