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deontology

[dee-on-tol-uh-jee]

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noun

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

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

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

Examples from the Web for deontology

Historical Examples of deontology

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
To Bowring we also owe the Deontology, which professes to represent Bentham's dictation.
The English Utilitarians, Volume I.
Leslie Stephen

British Dictionary definitions for deontology

deontology

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 © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Word Origin and History for deontology

n.

science of moral duty, 1826, from Greek deont-, comb. form of deon "that which is binding, duty," neuter present participle of dei "is binding;" + -logia "discourse" (see -logy). Said to have been coined by Bentham. Related: Deontological.

Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper