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
These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
If all goes according to plan, the New Truth Society will have the power of Jung-ja’s new doctrine, Sodo will have the power of Jung-ja herself, and Lee will have control over both sides. Kayti Burt, TIME, 25 Oct. 2024 Rather than embracing Western tenets wholesale, firms have selectively borrowed from abroad while keeping features of their own doctrine in areas ranging from management transparency and director independence to stakeholder diversity and successor selection. Michael Useem, Fortune Asia, 24 Oct. 2024 The Delaware Supreme Court’s recent decision involving Match Group solidified the application of the MFW doctrine to different scenarios. Priya Cherian Huskins, Forbes, 23 Oct. 2024 Last month, Russian President Vladimir Putin announced a shift in his country’s nuclear doctrine, in a move aimed at discouraging the West from allowing Ukraine to strike Russia with longer-range weapons. Mike Corder and Elena Becatoros, The Christian Science Monitor, 11 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for doctrine 

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 5 Nov. 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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