doctrine

doc·trine | \ ˈdäk-trən

Definition of doctrine

1a : 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

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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 Good stuff for on-screen political thrillers, but wildly inconsistent with the constitutional separation-of-powers doctrine that peacefully keeps our three branches of government from interfering with each other’s operations. — Daniel S. Alter, Time, "If John Bolton Keeps Refusing to Testify, Congress Should Arrest Him," 21 Nov. 2019 That belief in betrayal through unauthorized disclosure confirms and normalizes Vice Media doctrine; the film zips past examining whatever personal and political ethics Jones might have had. — Armond White, National Review, "The Report’s Enhanced Cynicism Techniques," 20 Nov. 2019 Twice before, Boeing has used the forum non conveniens doctrine to transfer cases related to crashes in Indonesia out of United States courts. — David Gelles, New York Times, "Boeing Aims to Move Victim Lawsuits Abroad, but C.E.O. Says He Is Unaware," 10 Nov. 2019 The one difference is that there's no single leader who dictates the culture and doctrine. — Elle Reeve, CNN, "She went from a liberal non-voter to burning books with white supremacists. Here's why she finally left the movement," 30 Oct. 2019 Although there’s no official doctrine barring Catholic priests from marrying, it’s been effectively banned for centuries. — EW.com, "Fleabag's 'Hot Priest' Andrew Scott applauds possibility of Pope Francis allowing priests to marry," 9 Oct. 2019 Harvard University law professor Adrian Vermeule recently proposed co-opting liberal institutions and harnessing them to impose Catholic social and political doctrines upon everyone else. — Matt Ford, The New Republic, "Liberalism Is at a Crossroads, Not a Dead End," 12 Sep. 2019 Through these hukamnamas, Sikhs have been provided with guidance and clarification on doctrines and tradition. — Sondeep Sankar, Quartz India, "In photos: A glorious history of Sikhism," 3 Sep. 2019 Redbox argued that it was allowed to resell the movie codes because of the first sale doctrine, which provides that someone who lawfully acquires a copyrighted work is entitled to sell or dispose of their copy. — Eriq Gardner, The Hollywood Reporter, "Redbox Agrees to Never Again Sell Disney's Movie Download Codes," 15 Nov. 2019

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'doctrine.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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Dictionary Entries near doctrine

doctrine of correspondence

doctrine of descent

doctrinism

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Last Updated

5 Dec 2019

Cite this Entry

“Doctrine.” The Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster Inc., https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/doctrine?pronunciation&lang=en_us&dir=d&file=doctri06. Accessed 10 December 2019.

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More Definitions for doctrine

doctrine

noun