instant

Universal Words adjective, noun adjective 1 [usuallybeforenoun] happening immediately: She took an instant dislike to me. * This account gives you instant access to your money. * The show was an instant success. 2 [onlybeforenoun] (of food) that can be made quickly and easily, usually by adding hot water: instant coffee noun [usuallysing.] 1 a very short period of time; a moment: I'll be back in an instant. * Just for an instant I thought he was going to refuse. 2 a particular point in time: At that (very) instant, the door opened. * I recognized her the instant (that) (= as soon as) I saw her. * Come here this instant (= immediately)!