# doctrine

/ˈdɑktɹən/ (US) · /dˈɒktɹɪn/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/doctrine
Updated: 2026-06-20

## Senses

### 2. government policy

noun · CEFR C1 · Formal · Academic

a stated principle of government policy, especially in international relations.

For teachers: a principle of government policy, particularly one relating to foreign affairs or military strategy.

- The president announced a new doctrine to protect the country's borders.
- The Monroe Doctrine significantly influenced American foreign policy for decades by asserting that European powers should not interfere in the Americas.

Usage: Frequently capitalized when referring to a specific historical policy named after a leader.

## Examples

- The church leaders explained their religious doctrine to the followers.
- The country's military doctrine focuses on defense rather than starting conflicts with its neighbors.
- Legal scholars spent years debating whether the new ruling contradicted the established doctrine of judicial precedent that had guided the courts for decades.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.