instruct

Universal Words verb 1 (formal) to tell sb to do sth, especially in a formal or official way: [VNtoinf] The letter instructed him to report to headquarters immediately. * [VNwh-] You will be instructed where to go as soon as the plane is ready. * [VN] She arrived at 10 o'clock as instructed. * [Vthat] He instructed that a wall be built around the city. * (BrE also) He instructed that a wall should be built around the city. [also Vspeech, VNspeech] -< ORDER 2 [VN] ~ sb (in sth) (formal) to teach sb sth, especially a practical skill: All our staff have been instructed in sign language. 3 [VNthat] [usuallypassive] (formal) to give sb information about sth: We have been instructed that a decision will not be made before the end of the week. 4 [VN, VNtoinf] (law) to employ sb to represent you in a legal situation, especially as a lawyer