instruct

UK: /ɪnˈstrʌkt/ US: /ɪnˈstrʌkt/ ,(in strukt′)

WordReference Random House Learner's Dictionary of American English © 2025

in•struct /ɪnˈstrʌkt/   v. 

1. to provide (someone) with knowledge, esp. by a systematic method:
   [~ + object (+ in + object)] The teacher instructed her students in mathematics.
2. to give (someone) orders or directions;
   direct;
   order;
   command: [~ + object + to + verb]
   She instructed us to leave one by one.
   [~ (+ object)* used in quotations)]
   "Concentrate,'' he instructed her, "and think about what to do next.''

See -stru-.

WordReference Random House Unabridged Dictionary of American English © 2025

in•struct  (in strukt′), v.t. 

1. to furnish with knowledge, esp. 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.

• 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
• late Middle English 1375–1425

in•struct′ed•ly, adv. 
in•struct′ed•ness, n. 
in•struct′i•ble, adj. 
Synonyms

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

Collins Concise English Dictionary © HarperCollins Publishers::

instruct / ɪnˈstrʌkt/ verb (transitive)

1. to direct to do something; order
2. to teach (someone) how to do (something)
3. to furnish with information; apprise
4. (esp of a client to his or her solicitor or a solicitor to a barrister) to give relevant facts or information to

Etymology: 15th Century: from Latin instruere to construct, set in order, equip, teach, from struere to build

inˈstructible adjective