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instill doubt

[ɪnˈstɪl daʊt]
verb phrase
incutir dúvida
1. to gradually cause someone to feel uncertain or skeptical about something
The contradictory statements instilled doubt in the jury's mind.
As declarações contraditórias incutiram dúvida na mente do júri.
2. to deliberately introduce uncertainty or lack of confidence
His poor performance instilled doubt about his ability to lead the team.
Seu desempenho fraco incutiu dúvida sobre sua capacidade de liderar o time.
Synonyms
create doubtraise doubtssow doubtcast doubtundermine confidencearouse suspicion
Antonyms
instill confidencebuild trustreassureconvinceestablish certainty

Regional Variations

General Brazilian
incutir dúvida
most common usage
Brazil
semear dúvida
alternative, more figurative expression
Portugal
incutir dúvida
standard usage
Portugal
suscitar dúvida
formal alternative

Related Idioms & Phrases

sow seeds of doubt
cast aspersions
plant doubt in someone's mind
throw doubt on
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