Hippocratic oath

American  

noun

1. an oath embodying the duties and obligations of physicians, usually taken by those about to enter upon the practice of medicine.

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Hippocratic oath British  

/ ˌhɪpəʊˈkrætɪk /

noun

1. an oath taken by a doctor to observe a code of medical ethics supposedly derived from that of Hippocrates

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Hippocratic oath Cultural  

1. A traditional oath of physicians, who pledge to practice medicine according to the ideals and moral principles put forth by Hippocrates.

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Etymology

Origin of Hippocratic oath

First recorded in 1740–50

Example Sentences

Doctors are bound by the Hippocratic oath to place patient welfare first, protect confidentiality, and avoid harm.

From Slate • Jan. 26, 2026

"I have said it before and I'll say it again: I am not a poisoner... I have always upheld the Hippocratic oath," he stated.

From BBC • Dec. 18, 2025

Please, empower OBs to apply their medical expertise and honor their Hippocratic oath.

From Seattle Times • May 17, 2024

Since then, the Hippocratic oath to “do no harm” has been incorporated into the humanitarian lexicon.

From Los Angeles Times • Oct. 24, 2023

About the same time, on the nearby island of Cos, Hippocrates was establishing his famous medical tradition, now barely remembered because of the Hippocratic oath.

From "Cosmos" by Carl Sagan