doctrine

noun

doc·​trine ˈdäk-trən How to pronounce doctrine (audio)
1
a
: a principle or position or the body of principles in a branch of knowledge or system of belief : dogma
Catholic doctrine
b
: a statement of fundamental government policy especially in international relations
the Truman Doctrine
c
law : a principle of law established through past decisions
d
: a military principle or set of strategies
e
: something that is taught
2
archaic : teaching, instruction

Did you know?

The original doctrines were those of the Catholic Church, especially as taught by the so-called doctors (religious scholars) of the Church. But today a doctrine can come from many other sources. Old and established legal principles are called legal doctrine. Traditional psychiatrists still follow the doctrines of Sigmund Freud. Communist doctrine in the 1920s and ʼ30s was often the teachings of Lenin, which were then regarded in the Soviet Union as almost sacred. U.S. presidents have given their names to doctrines as well: In 1823 the Monroe Doctrine stated that the United States would oppose European influence in the Americas, and in 1947 the Truman Doctrine held that America would support free countries against enemies outside and inside.

Examples of doctrine in a Sentence

The government was founded on a doctrine of equality for all people. Many psychologists now question the doctrines of Sigmund Freud. teaching religious doctrine to young people
Recent Examples on the Web Neither United Methodists nor Free Methodists specifically condemn IVF in their church doctrines. Peter Smith, Fortune, 23 Feb. 2024 Their religious doctrine is used to justify terrorism. The San Diego Union-Tribune Staff, San Diego Union-Tribune, 20 Feb. 2024 In its 2020 Defense Space Strategy, the Pentagon said China and Russia presented the greatest strategic threat in space because of their aggressive development of counterspace abilities, and their military doctrine calling for extending conflict to space. Matthew Lee, arkansasonline.com, 15 Feb. 2024 OpenAI, Microsoft and other companies have said that their AI training is protected by the copyright doctrine of fair use and that the lawsuits threaten the burgeoning AI industry. Reuters, NBC News, 13 Feb. 2024 This doctrine, although initially applied in the context of international relations, has since permeated the fabric of modern workplace cultures. Benjamin Laker, Forbes, 12 Feb. 2024 Championing New Leadership Paradigms For Strategic Impact The adoption of a holistic change mindset redefines the contours of contemporary leadership, moving beyond traditional doctrines to practices that amplify project success and foster dynamic team interactions. Eddy Vertil, Forbes, 21 Feb. 2024 The return of great-power rivalry and the resulting uncertainty in the region has made Indonesia’s traditional free and active foreign policy doctrine and its adherence to the principle of nonalignment all the more important. Dewi Fortuna Anwar, Foreign Affairs, 12 Feb. 2024 Gorsuch noted that some judges invoke the Chevron doctrine frequently and others, not at all. Mark Sherman, Fortune, 18 Jan. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'doctrine.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Anglo-French & Latin; Anglo-French, from Latin doctrina, from doctor

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Time Traveler
The first known use of doctrine was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near doctrine

Cite this Entry

“Doctrine.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/doctrine. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

doctrine

noun
doc·​trine ˈdäk-trən How to pronounce doctrine (audio)
1
: something that is taught
2
: a principle or the principles in a system of belief
doctrinal
-trən-ᵊl
adjective
doctrinally
-ᵊl-ē
adverb
Etymology

Middle English doctrine "instruction," from early French doctrine and Latin doctrina (both, same meaning), from earlier Latin doctor "teacher," from docēre "to teach" — related to docile, doctor

Legal Definition

doctrine

noun
doc·​trine ˈdäk-trən How to pronounce doctrine (audio)
: a principle established through judicial decisions compare law, precedent
doctrinal adjective

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