deontology

[ dee-on-tol-uh-jee ]

noun

1. ethics, especially that branch dealing with duty, moral obligation, and right action.

deontology

/ ˌdiːɒnˈtɒlədʒɪ /

noun

1. the branch of ethics dealing with duty, moral obligation, and moral commitment

Derived Forms

• ˌdeonˈtologist, noun

Other Words From

• de·on·to·log·i·cal [dee-on-tl-, oj, -i-k, uh, l], adjective
• deon·tolo·gist noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of deontology¹

First recorded in 1820–30; from Greek deont- (stem of déon “binding,” neuter present participle of deîn “to bind, tie, fetter”) + -o- ( def ) + -logy

Word History and Origins

Origin of deontology¹

C19: from Greek deon duty (see deontic ) + -logy

Example Sentences

To Bowring we also owe the Deontology, which professes to represent Bentham's dictation.

From Project Gutenberg

This edition does not include the Deontology, which, much rewritten, had been published by Bowring in 1834.

From Project Gutenberg