doctrine

noun

doc·​trine ˈdäk-trən 

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.

Synonyms of doctrine

• theology
• principle
• dogma

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

Religion Perhaps the biggest case of the term so far, in terms of ripple effects, involves religion, a subject on which the court's conservative super majority has dramatically changed its legal doctrine. — Nina Totenberg, NPR, 3 Oct. 2026

But what chance would American soldiers have against a country whose military doctrine has already imagined active resistance in populated areas, backed by citizens who could potentially provide intelligence, surveillance and other forms of support? — Rachel Marsden, Hartford Courant, 2 Oct. 2026

That authority coexisted with a doctrine that still placed women primarily in the home. — Sara Harmouch, The Conversation, 1 Oct. 2026

As a public university, ASU could also assert statutory governmental immunity, a legal doctrine protecting public entities from liability in certain circumstances, including some policy-level decisions. — Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 30 Sep. 2026

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

Phrases Containing doctrine

• castle doctrine
• fairness doctrine

Kids Definition

doctrine

noun

doc·​trine ˈdäk-trən 

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 

: a principle established through judicial decisions compare law, precedent

doctrinal

-trə-nəl 

adjective