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Webster 1913 Edition

Instinctive

In-stinc′tive

,
Adj.
[Cf. F.
instinctif
.]
Of or pertaining to instinct; derived from, or prompted by, instinct; of the nature of instinct; determined by natural impulse or propensity; acting or produced without reasoning, deliberation, instruction, or experience; spontaneous.
“Instinctive motion.”
Milton.
“Instinctive dread.”
Cowper.
With taste
instinctive
give
Each grace appropriate.
Mason.
Have we had
instinctive
intimations of the death of some absent friends?
Bp. Hall.
Syn. – Natural; voluntary; spontaneous; original; innate; inherent; automatic.

Webster 1828 Edition

Instinctive

INSTINCT'IVE

,
Adj.
Prompted by instinct; spontaneous; acting without reasoning, deliberation, instruction or experience; determined by natural impulse or propensity. The propensity of bees to form hexagonal cells for holding their honey and their young, must be instinctive.

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