doctrine
[dok-trin]
- 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.
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Origin of doctrine
Synonyms
See more synonyms for on Thesaurus.comDictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018
Related Words
conceptbeliefcreedattituderuletenetpreceptdogmaregulationpropositionstatementteachingaxiomtraditionbasicconvictioncanoninstructionpronouncementarticleExamples from the Web for doctrine
Contemporary Examples
Most often, the doctrine is invoked by minors seeking an abortion without parental consent.
These are not sidelines to conservative Christian doctrine, but centerpieces of it.
If it leads to real change, not just in tone, but also in doctrine and policy, it would indeed be an earthquake.
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.
In the current crisis, Obama has articulated no overarching cause, no doctrine about defending freedom and democracy.
Historical Examples
I want you, moreover, to advocate our American doctrine of Protection.
How is the child to be secured its due share of both bodies of doctrine?
A Treatise on Parents and ChildrenGeorge Bernard Shaw
"That's a dangerous kind of a doctrine," said Uncle William.
The Foolish LoversSt. John G. Ervine
The unexpected march of events had converted him to the doctrine of fatalism.
The Secret AgentJoseph Conrad
Reprimanded by its stern custodian, it explained that it was seeking a body of doctrine.
The Devil's DictionaryAmbrose Bierce
doctrine
- 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
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Word Origin
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
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Word Origin and History for doctrine
n.
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.)).
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Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper