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honor system

American  

noun

  1. a system whereby the students at a school, the inmates in a prison, etc., are put on their honor to observe certain rules in order to minimize administrative supervision or to promote honesty.


Etymology

Origin of honor system

An Americanism dating back to 1900–05

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

See Examples For:

Just the honor system and a makeshift security camera I bolted to the top.

From The Wall Street Journal Dec. 18, 2025

One, the research oversight system is an honor system.

From Salon Jun. 20, 2024

At the same time, people paying their fares on the honor system also dropped.

From Seattle Times Nov. 8, 2023

“There is somewhat of an honor system that the trainers know the rules and follow them,” he said.

From Los Angeles Times Oct. 16, 2023

When Mother was away, we were put on an honor system.

From "I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings" by Maya Angelou

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