deontology
[ dee-on-tol-uh-jee ]
/ ˌdi ɒnˈtɒl ə dʒi /
noun
ethics, especially that branch dealing with duty, moral obligation, and right action.
Nearby words
deodorize, deodorizer, deontic, deontological, deontological ethics, deontology, deorbit, deossification, deoxidant, deoxidize, deoxy sugar
Origin of deontology
1820–30; < Greek deont- that which is binding (stem of déon, neuter present participle of deîn to bind), equivalent to de- bind + -ont- present participle suffix + -o- + -logy
Related formsde·on·to·log·i·cal [dee-on-tl-oj-i-kuh l] /diˌɒn tlˈɒdʒ ɪ kəl/, adjectivede·on·tol·o·gist, noun
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Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019
British Dictionary definitions for deontological (1 of 2)
deontological
/ (dɪˌɒntəˈlɒdʒɪkəl) /
adjective
philosophy (of an ethical theory) regarding obligation as deriving from reason or as residing primarily in certain specific rules of conduct rather than in the maximization of some good
British Dictionary definitions for deontological (2 of 2)
deontology
/ (ˌdiːɒnˈtɒlədʒɪ) /
noun
the branch of ethics dealing with duty, moral obligation, and moral commitment
Derived Formsdeontologist, noun
Word Origin for deontology
C19: from Greek deon duty (see deontic) + -logy
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
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