in·struct

[in-struhkt]
verb (used with object)
1.
to furnish with knowledge, especially by a systematic method; teach; train; educate.
2.
to furnish with orders or directions; direct; order; command: The doctor instructed me to diet.
3.
to furnish with information; inform; apprise.
4.
Law. (of a judge) to guide (a jury) by outlining the legal principles involved in the case under consideration.

Origin:
1375–1425; late Middle English < Latin instructus past participle of instruere to equip, train, set in order, equivalent to in- in-2 + struc- (variant stem of struere to put together) + -tus past participle suffix

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


1. tutor, coach; drill, discipline; indoctrinate; school. 2. prescribe. 3. enlighten.


1. See teach.
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2013.
Cite This Source Link To instruct
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Instruct is one of our favorite verbs.
So is lollygag. Does it mean:
to spend time idly; loaf.
to expurgate (a written work) by removing or modifying passages considered vulgar or objectionable.
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World English Dictionary
instruct (ɪnˈstrʌkt) [Click for IPA pronunciation guide]
 
vb
1.  to direct to do something; order
2.  to teach (someone) how to do (something)
3.  to furnish with information; apprise
4.  chiefly (Brit) law
 a.  (esp of a client to his solicitor or a solicitor to a barrister) to give relevant facts or information to
 b.  to authorize (a barrister or solicitor) to conduct a case on a person's behalf: to instruct counsel
 
[C15: from Latin instruere to construct, set in order, equip, teach, from struere to build]
 
in'structible
 
adj

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 10th Edition
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Example sentences
Unfortunately for those of us who instruct in philosophy, there are other ways to become proficient in critical thinking.
They will instruct you if it is necessary to take the patient to the hospital.
Winners, not losers, write the history books intended to instruct the next generation.
Hand one student a ball of yarn and instruct the student to hold onto the end of the yarn.
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