deontology

[ dee-on-tol-uh-jee ]

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

Origin of deontology

1
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/, adjective
  • de·on·tol·o·gist, noun

Words Nearby deontology

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How to use deontology in a sentence

British Dictionary definitions for deontology

deontology

/ (ˌdiːɒnˈtɒlədʒɪ) /


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

Origin of deontology

1
C19: from Greek deon duty (see deontic) + -logy

Derived forms of deontology

  • deontologist, noun

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