Definition of IDEOLOGY (original) (raw)
1
a
: a manner or the content of thinking characteristic of an individual, group, or culture
b
: the integrated assertions, theories and aims that constitute a sociopolitical program
c
: a systematic body of concepts especially about human life or culture
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Ideology has been in use in English since the end of the 18th century and is one of the few words whose coiner we can identify. The French writer A. L. C. Destutt de Tracy proposed it as a term to designate the “science of ideas,” and in that sense the word was quickly borrowed into English. Though ideology originated as a serious philosophical term, within a few decades it took on connotations of impracticality thanks to Napoleon, who used it in a derisive manner. Such connotations are still present in some contexts, but the word today is largely used neutrally, most often to refer to a systematic body of concepts, and especially to the set of ideas and beliefs held by a particular group or political party.
Synonyms
Examples of ideology in a Sentence
the ideology of a totalitarian society He says that the election is not about ideology.
Recent Examples on the Web North Korea operates under the state ideology of Juche, a quasi-communist worldview founded on a cult of personality and enthusiastic nationalism. —
Timothy H.j. Nerozzi Fox News, Fox News, 20 June 2024 There is a chance that plays well with voters in a conservative district, but given the choice between ideology and Trump, Republicans have tended to favor Trump, said Alex Keena, a Virginia Commonwealth University professor of political science. —Chris Suarez, Washington Post, 18 June 2024 Although not prominently acknowledged, Trump and Vladimir Putin espouse a very real and formidable political ideology which appeals to their electorate—the ism in which both brazenly trade is revanchism. —Edward A. Wasserman, Hartford Courant, 18 June 2024 An 18-year-old suspect in the recent killing of a Fort Worth man has no history of mental illness or racist ideology, according to his father. —Cody Copeland, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 15 June 2024 See all Example Sentences for ideology 
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'ideology.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Word History
Etymology
French idéologie, from idéo- ideo- + -logie -logy
First Known Use
1813, in the meaning defined at sense 2
Time Traveler
The first known use of ideology was in 1813
Dictionary Entries Near ideology
Cite this Entry
“Ideology.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ideology. Accessed 28 Jun. 2024.
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Last Updated: 23 Jun 2024 - Updated example sentences
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