Hippocratic oath

American  

noun

1. an oath embodying the duties and obligations of physicians, usually taken by those about to enter upon the practice of medicine.

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Hippocratic oath British  

/ ˌhɪpəʊˈkrætɪk /

noun

1. an oath taken by a doctor to observe a code of medical ethics supposedly derived from that of Hippocrates

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Hippocratic oath Cultural  

1. A traditional oath of physicians, who pledge to practice medicine according to the ideals and moral principles put forth by Hippocrates.

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Etymology

Origin of Hippocratic oath

First recorded in 1740–50

Example Sentences

Doctors are bound by the Hippocratic oath to place patient welfare first, protect confidentiality, and avoid harm.

From Slate • Jan. 26, 2026

"I have said it before and I'll say it again: I am not a poisoner... I have always upheld the Hippocratic oath," he stated.

From BBC • Dec. 18, 2025

Since then, the Hippocratic oath to “do no harm” has been incorporated into the humanitarian lexicon.

From Los Angeles Times • Oct. 24, 2023

“There’s the Hippocratic oath, though. I mean the medical profession is a profession,” she said.

From Seattle Times • Sep. 27, 2023

On the day I swore to uphold the Hippocratic oath, the small hairs on the back of my neck stood up as I waited for lightning to strike.

From "The Poisonwood Bible" by Barbara Kingsolver