instruct
verb
in·struct
in-ˈstrəkt 
instructed; instructing; instructs
2
: to provide with authoritative information or advice
the judge instructed the jury
3
: to give an order or command to : direct
Examples of instruct in a Sentence
She instructed us that we were to remain in our seats.
The judge instructed the jury that they should disregard the testimony of the last witness.
She advised him to instruct a solicitor.
Recent Examples on the Web
While in custody, Yusuf was recorded in jailhouse calls instructing his brother and an associate to erase data from his phone to obstruct the investigation, prosecutors said.
—
Rosalio Ahumada, Sacramento Bee, 22 Mar. 2025
Stewart said that part of the initiative is a social media campaign instructing individuals to post a picture of themselves wearing the T-shirt or hoodie on Monday paired with the hashtags #EveryoneIsWelcome, #InclusiveIdaho, or #WestAdaSchools.
—Rose Evans, Idaho Statesman, 22 Mar. 2025
At one point during the convention when support seemed at low ebb, Wilson sent McCombs a note instructing him to withdraw Wilson's name from consideration, but McCombs pocketed the note without taking action.
—arkansasonline.com, 22 Mar. 2025
President Donald Trump signed an executive order Thursday instructing Education Secretary Linda McMahon to begin dismantling the Department of Education.
—Essence News Editors, Essence, 20 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for instruct
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Rosalio Ahumada, Sacramento Bee, 22 Mar. 2025
Stewart said that part of the initiative is a social media campaign instructing individuals to post a picture of themselves wearing the T-shirt or hoodie on Monday paired with the hashtags #EveryoneIsWelcome, #InclusiveIdaho, or #WestAdaSchools.
—Rose Evans, Idaho Statesman, 22 Mar. 2025
At one point during the convention when support seemed at low ebb, Wilson sent McCombs a note instructing him to withdraw Wilson's name from consideration, but McCombs pocketed the note without taking action.
—arkansasonline.com, 22 Mar. 2025
President Donald Trump signed an executive order Thursday instructing Education Secretary Linda McMahon to begin dismantling the Department of Education.
—Essence News Editors, Essence, 20 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for instruct
Cite this Entry
“Instruct.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/instruct. Accessed 28 Mar. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
instruct
verb
in·struct
in-ˈstrəkt
Legal Definition
instruct
transitive verb
in·struct
: to provide (a jury) with explanation and directions regarding the law applicable to a case
the judge instructed the jury that the plaintiff bears the burden of proof
the jury was instructed to ignore the attorney's comments
: to give instructions to a jury
the trial judge refused to instruct on manslaughter—W. R. LaFave and A. W. Scott, Jr.
W. R. LaFave and A. W. Scott, Jr.Love words? Need even more definitions?
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