1 [reporting verb] tell or order someone to do something, especially in a formal or official way: [with object and infinitive]:she instructed him to wait [with direct speech]:‘Look at me,’ he instructed [with clause]:I instructed that she should be given hot, sweet tea
2 [with object] teach (someone) a subject or skill:he instructed them in the use of firearms [with object and clause]:instructing electors how to record their votes
3 [with object] Law (of a client) employ or authorize (a solicitor or barrister) to act on one’s behalf:he must indicate which of the firms he wishes to instruct
(of a solicitor) give directions or information to (a barrister) regarding a court case:she is skilled in interviewing clients and instructing counsel
4 [with object] give information to (someone): [with clause]:the bank was instructed that the money from the deposit account was now held by the company
