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

But move sparingly, even reluctantly, not as a social warrior out to purify the world but as a cautious editor working under the burden of a Hippocratic oath to do no harm.

From Washington Post

In medical school graduation ceremonies, students traditionally recite the Hippocratic oath, pledging to “prevent disease whenever I can.”

From Scientific American

Jha, who has argued that the Hippocratic oath “demands” that health workers get vaccinated, said holdout hospitals’ concerns were probably overblown, citing the example of Houston Methodist.

From Washington Post

The students took the Hippocratic oath on WebEx, ensconced in their bedrooms and their last moments of safety.

From New York Times

The phrase, from the Hippocratic oath, is the guiding principle of medical care.

From Los Angeles Times