deontology

[ dee-on-tol-uh-jee ]

/ ˌdi ɒnˈtɒl ə dʒi /

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noun

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

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Origin of deontology

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

OTHER WORDS FROM deontology

de·on·to·log·i·cal

[dee-on-tl-oj-i-kuhl], /diˌɒn tlˈɒdʒ ɪ kəl/, adjectivede·on·tol·o·gist, noun

Words nearby deontology

deodorize, Deo gratias, deontic, deontological, deontological ethics, deontology, deorbit, Deo volente, deoxidant, deoxidize, deoxy-

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

How to use deontology in a sentence

To Bowring we also owe the Deontology, which professes to represent Bentham's dictation.
The English Utilitarians, Volume I.|Leslie Stephen
This edition does not include the Deontology, which, much rewritten, had been published by Bowring in 1834.
Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 3, Slice 6|Various

British Dictionary definitions for deontology

deontology

/ (ˌdiːɒnˈtɒlədʒɪ) /

noun

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

Derived forms of deontology

deontologist, noun

Word Origin for deontology

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

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012