in·struct/ɪn`strʌkt; ɪnˈstrʌkt/ v [T] 1 to officially tell someone to do something 命令，指示: instruct sb to do sth Police officers were instructed to search the house. 警察接到指示，要对这所房子进行搜查。 2 to teach someone how to do something 教授，指导: We instruct the children in basic reading skills. 我们教儿童基本的阅读技巧。