instrument

/ˈɪnstɹəmənt/ · 3 syllables

Meaning

noun

1. a device that requires skill for proper use
2. the means whereby some act is accomplished
   “my greed was the instrument of my destruction”
3. a person used by another to gain an end
4. (law) a document that states some contractual relationship or grants some right
5. the semantic role of the entity (usually inanimate) that the agent uses to perform an action or start a process
6. any of various devices or contrivances that can be used to produce musical tones or sounds

verb

1. equip with instruments for measuring, recording, or controlling
2. write an instrumental score for
3. address a legal document to

Synonyms for instrument

• tool
• pawn
• cat's-paw
• legal document
• legal instrument
• official document
• instrumental role
• musical instrument
• instrumentate