Instinct
WordNet
noun
(1) Inborn pattern of behavior often responsive to specific stimuli
"The spawning instinct in salmon"
"Altruistic instincts in social animals"
WiktionaryText
Etymology
From , pp. of < +
Noun
- A natural or inherent impulse or behaviour.
- Many animals fear fire by instinct.
-
- An intuitive reaction not based on rational conscious thought.
- Debbie's instinct was to distrust John.
- An intuitive reaction not based on rational conscious thought.