doctrine

doc·trine

noun \ˈdäk-trən\

Definition of DOCTRINE

1

archaic : teaching, instruction

2

a : something that is taught b : a principle or position or the body of principles in a branch of knowledge or system of belief : dogma c : a principle of law established through past decisions d : a statement of fundamental government policy especially in international relations e : a military principle or set of strategies

Examples of DOCTRINE

1. The government was founded on a doctrine of equality for all people.
2. Many psychologists now question the doctrines of Sigmund Freud.
3. teaching religious doctrine to young people

Origin of DOCTRINE

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

First Known Use: 14th century

Related to DOCTRINE

Synonyms: canon, dogma

Related Words: canon law; belief, conviction, tenet; credo, creed, ideology (also idealogy), philosophy, theology; axiom, precept, principle; symbol

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Other Education Terms

baccalaureate, colloquium, corequisite, dissertation, monograph, pedant, practicum, survey course, thesis