doctrine

[ dok-trin ]

noun

1. a particular principle, position, or policy taught or advocated, as of a religion or government:

   Catholic doctrines;

   the Monroe Doctrine.

   Synonyms: belief, precept, theory, dogma, tenet

2. something that is taught; teachings collectively:

   religious doctrine.

3. a body or system of teachings relating to a particular subject:

   the doctrine of the Catholic Church.

doctrine

/ ˌdɒktrɪˈnælɪtɪ; ˈdɒktrɪn; dɒkˈtraɪnəl /

noun

1. a creed or body of teachings of a religious, political, or philosophical group presented for acceptance or belief; dogma
2. a principle or body of principles that is taught or advocated

Derived Forms

• ˈdoctrinism, noun
• docˈtrinally, adverb
• doctrinality, noun
• ˈdoctrinist, noun
• doctrinal, adjective

Other Words From

• self-doctrine noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of doctrine¹

First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English, from Anglo-French, from Latin doctrīna “teaching,” from doct(o)r doctor + -īna -ine ²

Word History and Origins

Origin of doctrine¹

C14: from Old French, from Latin doctrīna teaching, from doctor see doctor

Example Sentences

He also noted a recent Supreme Court ruling that overturned the Chevron Doctrine, which allowed federal agencies to interpret the laws they administer.

From Los Angeles Times

Fox and Musk have gotten away with spreading disinformation because of a self-serving misapprehension of the political speech doctrine: The First Amendment protects ‘core political speech’ above all other forms of expression.

From Salon

Weaponized disinformation will ultimately kill the First Amendment, which the Supreme Court recognized back in 1969 when it approved the Fairness Doctrine and required accuracy in the media.

From Salon

We don’t even consume media the same way we did more recently, when the Fairness Doctrine was embraced by SCOTUS.

From Salon

US courts need to carefully consider the political speech doctrine before it does us in, if it hasn’t already.

From Salon

Related Words

• attitude
• axiom
• belief
• concept
• creed
• dogma
• precept
• proposition
• regulation
• rule
• statement
• teaching
• tenet
• tradition