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honor system
noun
: a system (as at a college) whereby persons are trusted to abide by the regulations (as for a code of conduct) without supervision or surveillance
Examples of honor system in a Sentence
Customers are on the honor system to pay for any software they choose to purchase.
Recent Examples on the Web
Paper guides can be purchased upon arrival, with an honor system for payment.
—David Nikel, Forbes, 29 Dec. 2024
Instead, locals sell the extra avocados and bananas from their trees on roadside stands with a jar nearby for leaving payment on an honor system.
—Kathleen Wong, USA TODAY, 15 Dec. 2024
Back then, radio stations were on the honor system to report airplay.
—Keith Sharon, The Tennessean, 11 June 2024
Most opioid settlements require such reports but operate on an honor system.
—Aneri Pattani, NPR, 16 Dec. 2024
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Word History
First Known Use
1893, in the meaning defined above
Dictionary Entries Near honor system
Cite this Entry
“Honor system.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/honor%20system. Accessed 15 Jan. 2025.
Kids Definition
honor system
noun
: a system (as at a school) where persons are trusted to follow the rules without supervision
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