Definition, Meaning & Synonyms

primal-instinct

noun

/ˈpraɪ.məl ˈɪn.stɪŋkt/

Definition

A fundamental and inherent urge or motivation that is deeply rooted in the basic drives of survival and reproduction.

Examples

The lion’s primal instinct to hunt kicks in when it senses prey.
Even in modern life, our primal instincts can influence our decisions and interactions.
She trusted her primal instinct when she felt uneasy in the unfamiliar surroundings.

Meaning

Primal instinct refers to the natural behaviors and impulses that humans and animals have evolved to respond to environmental challenges or needs, often without conscious thought.