instill
to put an idea or feeling gradually into someone
Roots
- in- / im- (in/into): in, into, within, or on
- still / stilla: drop, drip, or let fall in drops
Other words with the still / stilla root
- distill: to purify or draw out the essential part
Instill is the familiar drop-by-drop word: a habit or belief enters slowly.
The coach tried to instill calm before the final round.