doctrine

[ dok-trin ]

/ ˈdɒk trɪn /

SEE MORE SYNONYMS FOR doctrine ON THESAURUS.COM

noun

a particular principle, position, or policy taught or advocated, as of a religion or government: Catholic doctrines; the Monroe Doctrine.

something that is taught; teachings collectively: religious doctrine.

a body or system of teachings relating to a particular subject: the doctrine of the Catholic Church.

Nearby words

doctorow, e. l., doctorspeak, doctrinaire, doctrinal, doctrinally, doctrine, doctrine of descent, docu-soap, docudrama, document, document reader

Origin of doctrine

1350–1400; Middle English < Anglo-French < Latin doctrīna teaching, equivalent to doct(o)r doctor + -īna -ine²

SYNONYMS FOR doctrine

1 tenet, dogma, theory, precept, belief.

SEE MORE SYNONYMS FOR doctrine ON THESAURUS.COM

Related formsself-doc·trine, noun

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

Examples from the Web for doctrine

These are not sidelines to conservative Christian doctrine, but centerpieces of it.
Church Sex Scandals Are Rooted in Theology|Jay Michaelson|December 15, 2014|DAILY BEAST
If it leads to real change, not just in tone, but also in doctrine and policy, it would indeed be an earthquake.
Pope Francis Pushes the Church Another Step Further on Gays|Gene Robinson|October 16, 2014|DAILY BEAST
And he went on to give as much of a Rand Paul Middle East Doctrine as a place where doctrine is the problem can take.
My Coffee Klatch With Rand Paul|P. J. O’Rourke|September 27, 2014|DAILY BEAST
In the current crisis, Obama has articulated no overarching cause, no doctrine about defending freedom and democracy.
Arab Kings vs. ISIS Barbarians|Christopher Dickey|September 23, 2014|DAILY BEAST

That doctrine committed the United States to military alliances like NATO and aimed to stop the spread of communism.
Rand Paul Gives War a Chance|Olivia Nuzzi|August 18, 2014|DAILY BEAST
He is here, adorning, by a life of severe simplicity and divine benevolence, the doctrine he has espoused.
Aurelian|William Ware
Thus he expected to neutralize the evil effects of the Baital's doctrine touching the amiability of parents unlike himself.
Vikram and the Vampire|Richard F. Burton
If we can admit the doctrine of the stomach having a general consent with the whole system.
Dissertation on the English Language|Noah Webster, Jr.
The doctrine of foreknowledge, with Mr. Toplady, included the doctrine of election and decrees.
The Young People's Wesley|W. McDonald
One of the kings counsellors expressed dissent from the Bishops doctrine.
Stanley in Africa|James P. Boyd

British Dictionary definitions for doctrine

doctrine

/ (ˈdɒktrɪn) /

noun

a creed or body of teachings of a religious, political, or philosophical group presented for acceptance or belief; dogma

a principle or body of principles that is taught or advocated

Derived Forms

doctrinal (dɒkˈtraɪnəl), adjectivedoctrinality (ˌdɒktrɪˈnælɪtɪ), noundoctrinally, adverbdoctrinism, noun

doctrinist, noun

Word Origin for doctrine

C14: from Old French, from Latin doctrīna teaching, from doctor see doctor

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 doctrine

doctrine

late 14c., from Old French doctrine (12c.) "teaching, doctrine," and directly from Latin doctrina "teaching, body of teachings, learning," from doctor "teacher" (see doctor (n.)).

doctrine

noun

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Nearby words

Origin of doctrine

Examples from the Web for doctrine

British Dictionary definitions for doctrine

doctrine

noun

Word Origin for doctrine

Word Origin and History for doctrine

doctrine