doctrine

noun

doc·​trine ˈdäk-trən 

1

a

: 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

2

archaic : teaching, instruction

Did you know?

The original doctrines were those of the Catholic Church, especially as taught by the so-called doctors (religious scholars) of the Church. But today a doctrine can come from many other sources. Old and established legal principles are called legal doctrine. Traditional psychiatrists still follow the doctrines of Sigmund Freud. Communist doctrine in the 1920s and ʼ30s was often the teachings of Lenin, which were then regarded in the Soviet Union as almost sacred. U.S. presidents have given their names to doctrines as well: In 1823 the Monroe Doctrine stated that the United States would oppose European influence in the Americas, and in 1947 the Truman Doctrine held that America would support free countries against enemies outside and inside.

Synonyms

• canon
• dogma

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

Recent Examples on the Web

This doctrine shaped the post-war global economy, where deep financial and trade linkages were viewed not just as a matter of efficiency but as a safeguard for peace. —Jon Helgi Egilsson, Forbes, 14 Mar. 2025

It’s commonly accepted HR doctrine that after a large layoff, those who stay suffer a 20% decline in their job performance. —Phil Blair, San Diego Union-Tribune, 3 Mar. 2025

Gone now is the academic theology, replaced by a pastor who is more interested in talking about Jesus on a personal level and leaving questions about orthodox doctrine to rulings from the Roman Curia. —Timothy Nerozzi, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 28 Feb. 2025

The doctrine of dual sovereignty, affirmed by the Supreme Court in Gamble v. United States (2019), allows both federal and state governments to prosecute individuals for the same conduct under their respective laws. —Yaakov Katz, Newsweek, 7 Feb. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Anglo-French & Latin; Anglo-French, from Latin doctrina, from doctor

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Phrases Containing doctrine

• castle doctrine
• fairness doctrine

Kids Definition

doctrine

noun

doc·​trine ˈdäk-trən 

1

: something that is taught

2

: a principle or the principles in a system of belief

doctrinal

-trən-ᵊl

adjective

doctrinally

-ᵊl-ē

adverb

Etymology

Middle English doctrine "instruction," from early French doctrine and Latin doctrina (both, same meaning), from earlier Latin doctor "teacher," from docēre "to teach" — related to docile, doctor

Legal Definition

doctrine

noun

doc·​trine ˈdäk-trən 

: a principle established through judicial decisions compare law, precedent

doctrinal

-trə-nəl 

adjective