noun, noun which may take the genitive case particle 'no'
Refers to innate, unlearned behavior or impulse in humans and animals. Often used in psychological, biological, and everyday contexts.
動物は本能に従って行動する。
Animals act according to instinct.
彼は本能的に危険を察知した。
He instinctively sensed danger.
Sensing danger, I fled on instinct.
He often acts by following his instincts.
Her maternal instinct kicked in, and she protected her child.
He struggles to suppress his instinctive appetite.
maternal instinct
survival instinct
protective instinct; defensive instinct