instruct

[ in-struhkt ]
/ ɪnˈstrʌkt /

verb (used with object)

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

Origin of instruct

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

SYNONYMS FOR instruct

synonym study for instruct

1. See teach.

OTHER WORDS FROM instruct

Example sentences from the Web for instructing

British Dictionary definitions for instructing

instruct
/ (ɪnˈstrʌkt) /

verb (tr)

to direct to do something; order
to teach (someone) how to do (something)
to furnish with information; apprise
law, mainly British
  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 behalfto instruct counsel

Derived forms of instruct

instructible, adjective

Word Origin for instruct

C15: from Latin instruere to construct, set in order, equip, teach, from struere to build