Instinct

usgb/ˈɪnstɪŋkt/
noun

A natural feeling or behavior, doing without thinking.

Birds build nests by instinct.
Visual representation of "instinct" - A natural feeling or behavior, doing without thinking

Often appears as...

  • survival instinct
  • maternal instinct
Definition 1 of 3
Visual representation of "instinct"
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Unconscious Action

An instinct doesn't require conscious thought; it happens automatically.

Illustration for Unconscious Action
He ducked out of instinct when the ball flew at his head.
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Immediate Response

Instinct is often your immediate reaction before you've had time to think.

Illustration for Immediate Response
By instinct, she immediately reached out to catch the falling vase.
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Inherent Skill

Some behaviors, like a spider spinning a web, are instinctual and don't need to be learned.

Illustration for Inherent Skill
Without teaching, the puppies knew by instinct how to play and chase.
Visual representation of the word "Instinct"

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