Definition, Meaning & Synonyms

maternal instinct

noun

/məˈtɜrnəl ˈɪnˌstɪŋkt/

Definition

An innate tendency for mothers to care for and protect their young.

Examples

A mother’s maternal instinct often leads her to respond quickly to her baby’s cries.
Many believe that maternal instinct is instinctual, allowing mothers to bond with their children from birth.
Her maternal instinct kicked in when she saw the kitten abandoned on the street.

Meaning

Maternal instinct refers to the natural feelings and behaviors that mothers experience towards their children, which drive them to nurture and support them.