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

• theology
• principle
• dogma
• creed

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

Sabatini said that former President Ronald Reagan's doctrine included intervening on behalf of and supporting military governments with the intention of stopping the spread of communism. —Brendan Cole, MSNBC Newsweek, 25 Oct. 2025

The attorney general alleges violations of public trust doctrine, public nuisance and the Michigan Environmental Protection Act. —Keith Matheny, Freep.com, 21 Oct. 2025

To respond, Barrett explained the doctrine of stare decisis and the considerations that go into overturning precedent like reliance interests — or important things that would be called into question if a law or ruling no longer existed. —Samantha Riedel, Them., 20 Oct. 2025

This would put Americans more at risk of actual threats — such as those posed by homegrown violent extremists who subscribe to Islamic State or Al Qaeda doctrine. —Jason M. Blazakis, Mercury News, 18 Oct. 2025

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