2 N‑COUNT An institution is a building where certain people are looked after, for example people who are mentally ill or children who have no parents. □ Larry has been in an institution since he was four.
3 N‑COUNT An institution is a custom or system that is considered an important or typical feature of a particular society or group, usually because it has existed for a long time. □ [+ of ] I believe in the institution of marriage.
4 N‑UNCOUNT The institution of a new system is the act of starting it or bringing it in. □ [+ of ] There was never an official institution of censorship in Albania. SYNONYMS institution NOUN 1
establishment: …a scientific research establishment.
body: …the main trade union body, COSATU, Congress of South African Trade Unions.
organization: …a report by the International Labour Organisation.
in|sti|tu|tion|al / I nst I tjuː ʃən ə l, [AM ] -tuː -/
1 ADJ [ADJ n] Institutional means relating to a large organization, for example a university, bank, or church. □ The share price will be determined by bidding from institutional investors.
2 ADJ [ADJ n] Institutional means relating to a building where people are looked after or held. □ Outside the protected environment of institutional care he could not survive.
3 ADJ [ADJ n] An institutional value or quality is considered an important and typical feature of a particular society or group, usually because it has existed for a long time. □ …social and institutional values.
4 ADJ [usu ADJ n] If someone accuses an organization of institutional racism or sexism, they mean that the organization is deeply racist or sexist and has been so for a long time. □ …the Macpherson report, which accused the Metropolitan Police of institutional racism. ● in|sti|tu|tion|al|ly ADV [ADV adj] □ …the Government's policy still appeared to be institutionally racist.
in|sti|tu|tion|al|ize / I nst I tjuː ʃənəla I z, [AM ] -tuː -/ (institutionalizes , institutionalizing , institutionalized ) in BRIT, also use institutionalise 1 VERB [usu passive] If someone such as a sick, mentally ill, or old person is institutionalized , they are sent to stay in a special hospital or home, usually for a long period. □ [be V -ed] She became seriously ill and had to be institutionalized for a lengthy period. □ [V -ed] …institutionalized kids with medical problems. ● in|sti|tu|tion|ali|za|tion / I nst I tjuː ʃənəla I ze I ʃ ə n, [AM ] -tuː -/ N‑UNCOUNT □ Institutionalization was necessary when his wife became both blind and violent.
2 VERB To institutionalize something means to establish it as part of a culture, social system, or organization. □ [V n] The goal is to institutionalize family planning into community life. □ [V -ed] In the first century there was no such thing as institutionalized religion. ● in|sti|tu|tion|ali|za|tion N‑UNCOUNT □ [+ of ] …the institutionalization of social change.
i n-sto re also instore ADJ [usu ADJ n] In-store facilities are facilities that are available within a department store, supermarket or other large shop. □ …in-store banking. □ …an instore bakery. ● ADV [ADV after v] In-store is also an adverb. □ Ask in-store for details.
in|struct / I nstrʌ kt/ (instructs , instructing , instructed )
1 VERB If you instruct someone to do something, you formally tell them to do it. [FORMAL ] □ [V n to-inf] The family has instructed solicitors to sue Thomson for compensation. □ [V with quote] 'Go and have a word with her, Ken,' Webb instructed. □ [V n that] I want you to instruct them that they've got three months to get the details sorted out. [Also V n with quote]
2 VERB Someone who instructs people in a subject or skill teaches it to them. □ [V n + in/on ] He instructed family members in nursing techniques. [Also V ]
in|struc|tion ◆◇◇ / I nstrʌ kʃ ə n/ (instructions )
1 N‑COUNT An instruction is something that someone tells you to do. □ Two lawyers were told not to leave the building but no reason for this instruction was given.
2 N‑UNCOUNT If someone gives you instruction in a subject or skill, they teach it to you. [FORMAL ] □ [+ in ] Each candidate is given instruction in safety.
3 N‑PLURAL Instructions are clear and detailed information on how to do something. □ Always read the instructions before you start taking the medicine. SYNONYMS instruction NOUN 1
order: As darkness fell, Clinton gave orders for his men to rest.
command: The tanker failed to respond to a command to stop.
rule: Strictly speaking, this was against the rules.
ruling: Goodwin tried to have the court ruling overturned.
demand: He grew ever more fierce in his demands.
direction: Do not throw away the directions until we've finished cooking.
in|struc|tion|al / I nstrʌ kʃən ə l/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] Instructional books or films are meant to teach people something or to offer them help with a particular problem. □ …instructional material designed to help you with your lifestyle.
in|struc|tive / I nstrʌ kt I v/ ADJ Something that is instructive gives useful information. □ …an entertaining and instructive documentary.
in|struc|tor / I nstrʌ ktə r / (instructors ) N‑COUNT [oft n N ] An instructor is someone who teaches a skill such as driving or skiing. In American English, instructor can also be used to refer to a schoolteacher or to a university teacher of low rank. □ …tuition from an approved driving instructor.