ideology

noun

ide·​ol·​o·​gy ˌī-dē-ˈä-lə-jē  ˌi-dē-ˈä- 

variants or less commonly idealogy

ˌī-dē-ˈä-lə-jē  ˌī-dē-ˈa-  ˌi-dē-ˈä-  ˌi-dē-ˈa- 

plural ideologies

1

a

: a manner or the content of thinking characteristic of an individual, group, or culture

b

: the integrated assertions, theories and aims that constitute a sociopolitical program

c

: a systematic body of concepts especially about human life or culture

2

: visionary theorizing

ideologist

ˌī-dē-ˈä-lə-jist 

ˌi-

noun

Did you know?

Ideology has been in use in English since the end of the 18th century and is one of the few words whose coiner we can identify. The French writer A. L. C. Destutt de Tracy proposed it as a term to designate the “science of ideas,” and in that sense the word was quickly borrowed into English. Though ideology originated as a serious philosophical term, within a few decades it took on connotations of impracticality thanks to Napoleon, who used it in a derisive manner. Such connotations are still present in some contexts, but the word today is largely used neutrally, most often to refer to a systematic body of concepts, and especially to the set of ideas and beliefs held by a particular group or political party.

Synonyms

• credo
• creed
• doctrine
• dogma
• gospel
• philosophy
• testament

Examples of ideology in a Sentence

the ideology of a totalitarian society

He says that the election is not about ideology.

Recent Examples on the Web

Explore Foreign Affairs’ coverage of Hamas, the Islamist militant group governing the Gaza Strip, including the organization's ideology and rise, its political and military branches, its relations with regional powers such as Iran, and its October 7 attack on Israel. —Foreign Affairs, 24 Sep. 2024

In many ways, there may not be a more provocative, or evocative, advocate than the Houston coach for a college basketball event that challenges the NCAA’s traditional enforcement ideology, even as Players Era’s organizers insist on their whole-hearted commitment to compliance. —Daniel Libit, Sportico.com, 23 Sep. 2024

Rather than be dissuaded, however, Wright felt this was the perfect reason to explore a time in history when large swathes of humanity became enraptured in cruel ideology espoused by charismatic but deeply flawed men. —Harrison Richlin, IndieWire, 22 Sep. 2024

His goals were straightforward: consolidate Nixon’s power, cement his ideology, and dismantle roadblocks to his agenda. —Duncan Hosie / Made By History, TIME, 18 Sep. 2024

Word History

Etymology

French idéologie, from idéo- ideo- + -logie -logy

First Known Use

1813, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Kids Definition

ideology

noun

ide·​ol·​o·​gy ˌīd-ē-ˈäl-ə-jē  ˌid- 

plural ideologies

: ideas characteristic of a person, group, or political party

ideologi cal

-ē-ə-ˈläj-i-kəl

adjective

ideologically

-i-k(ə-)lē

adverb

ideologist

-ē-ˈäl-ə-jəst 

noun

Medical Definition

ideology

noun

ide·​ol·​o·​gy ˌīd-ē-ˈäl-ə-jē  ˌid- 

variants also idealogy

-ˈäl-ə-jē  -ˈal- 

plural ideologies

1

: a systematic body of concepts especially about human life or culture

2

: a manner or the content of thinking characteristic of an individual, group, or culture

ideological adjective

also idealogical

ˌīd-ē-ə-ˈläj-i-kəl 

ideologically

-i-k(ə-)lē 

adverb