in·stinc·tive \(ˈ)inz|tiŋ(k)tiv, ənˈst-, -)tēv also -)təv\adjective Etymology:instinct (I) + -ive : of, relating to, or constituting instinct : derived from or prompted by instinct : determined by natural impulse or propensity : unlearned, unreasoned < an instinctive dread of mice > < instinctive behavior > Synonyms:see spontaneous