Definition of instill

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in·still also in·stil    (n-stl) KEY 

TRANSITIVE VERB:
in·stilled, in·still·ing, in·stills, also in·stils

1. To introduce by gradual, persistent efforts; implant: "Morality . . . may be instilled into their minds" (Thomas Jefferson).
2. To pour in (medicine, for example) drop by drop.

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ETYMOLOGY:
Middle English instillen, from Latin nstllre : in-, into ; see in-² + stllre, to drip, drop (from stlla, drop)

OTHER FORMS:
instil·lation  (nst-lshn) KEY (Noun), in·stiller(Noun), in·stillment(Noun)