Noun

(propensities)

A tendency, preference, or attraction.

* {{quote-magazine, year=2013, month=May-June, author= Katie L. Burke

, title= In the News , volume=101, issue=3, page=193, magazine=(American Scientist) , passage=Bats host many high-profile viruses that can infect humans, including severe acute respiratory syndrome and Ebola. A recent study explored the ecological variables that may contribute to bats’ propensity to harbor such zoonotic diseases by comparing them with another order of common reservoir hosts: rodents.}}

Noun

A natural or inherent impulse or behaviour.

Many animals fear fire by instinct .

* Shakespeare

By a divine instinct , men's minds mistrust / Ensuing dangers.

* {{quote-book

, year=1921 , title= , author=Bertrand Russell , passage=In spite of these qualifications, the broad distinction between instinct and habit is undeniable. To take extreme cases, every animal at birth can take food by instinct, before it has had opportunity to learn; on the other hand, no one can ride a bicycle by instinct, though, after learning, the necessary movements become just as automatic as if they were instinctive.}}

An intuitive reaction not based on rational conscious thought.

an instinct''' for order; to be modest by '''instinct

Debbie's instinct was to distrust John.