doctrine
noun
doc·trine
| \ ˈdäk-trən
\
\
Definition of doctrine
1a
: a principle or position or the body of principles in a branch of knowledge or system of belief : dogma
Catholic doctrine
b
: a statement of fundamental government policy especially in international relations
the Truman Doctrine
c
law
: a principle of law established through past decisions
d
: a military principle or set of strategies
e
: something that is taught
Keep scrolling for more
Examples of doctrine in a Sentence
The government was founded on a doctrine of equality for all people.
Many psychologists now question the doctrines of Sigmund Freud.
teaching religious doctrine to young people
See More
Recent Examples on the Web
Lethality sounds great as a lofty doctrine, offered up to voters and politicians, but is unsatisfactorily limiting in practical application. — Jared Keller, The New Republic, "James Mattis’s Bizarre Cult of “Lethality”," 9 Sep. 2019 But Olson appears to diverge from today’s most prevalent Republican doctrine as well. — Dave Orrick, Twin Cities, "Former Michigan lawmaker Rick Olson to challenge Angie Craig for Congress," 3 Sep. 2019 Perils of populism Despite ominous comments from Pakistan prime minister Imran Khan, and India’s defence minister Rajnath Singh’s hints at changes to the no-first-use nuclear doctrine, neither state wants war. — Johann Chacko, Quartz India, "Like Pakistan, India may soon face the catastrophic costs of steroid-driven nationalism," 3 Sep. 2019 Isaac pushes the argument forward, mapping Kalanick’s behavior to core tenets of the anti-government, pro-hustle tech doctrine, implying that Kalanick was radicalized by Silicon Valley’s core beliefs. — Wired, "WIRED Book of the Month: Super Pumped by Mike Isaac," 3 Sep. 2019 The cases brought by San Francisco, Oakland and other cities and counties have attempted to use the nuisance doctrine at the state level, working from the theory that state common law has not been similarly displaced. — John Schwartz, New York Times, "Judge Dismisses Suit Against Oil Companies Over Climate Change Costs," 25 June 2018 This doctrine, known as determinism, was advocated passionately by the philosopher Baruch Spinoza, whom Einstein considered a great hero. — Quanta Magazine, "Einstein’s Parable of Quantum Insanity," 10 Sep. 2015 The middling classes usually avoid the European gullibility of periodically embracing all-encompassing doctrines and ideologies. — Victor Davis Hanson, National Review, "The American Middle Class," 22 Aug. 2019 Elizabeth Warren, a Democratic presidential contender, wants to start with American nuclear doctrine. — The Economist, "Should America rule out first use of nuclear weapons?," 15 Aug. 2019These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'doctrine.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Keep scrolling for more
Keep scrolling for more
More Definitions for doctrine
doctrine
noun
English Language Learners Definition of doctrine
: a set of ideas or beliefs that are taught or believed to be true
US
: a statement of government policy especially in international relations
See the full definition for doctrine in the English Language Learners Dictionary
doctrine
noun
doc·trine
| \ ˈdäk-trən
\
\
Kids Definition of doctrine
: something (as a rule or principle) that is taught, believed in, or considered to be true
doctrine
noun
doc·trine
| \ ˈdäk-trən
\
\
Legal Definition of doctrine
Other Words from doctrine
doctrinal
\ -trə-nəl
\
adjective
\
adjective
Keep scrolling for more