Doctrine Definition & Meaning | Britannica Dictionary (original) (raw)

Britannica Dictionary definition of DOCTRINE

1

:

a set of ideas or beliefs that are taught or believed to be true

[count]

• The government was founded on a doctrine of equality for all people.
• Many psychologists now question the doctrines of Sigmund Freud.

[noncount]

• teaching religious doctrine to young people

2

[count]

US

:

a statement of government policy especially in international relations

• the Truman/Monroe doctrine

— doctrinal

/ˈdɑːktrənl̟/ Brit /dɒkˈtraɪnl̟/

adjective

• The group split into two parties as a result of doctrinal differences.