ideology
noun
ˌi-dē-ˈä-
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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
Cooper Burton, ABC News, 16 Jan. 2025
Only someone thoroughly marinated in gender ideology could believe this of a doctor who was just trying to raise the alarm about deceit in the treatment of children.
—The Editors, National Review, 16 Jan. 2025
To understand why Germans at different levels of society backed Hitler, scholars often cite people’s deep commitment to Nazi ideology; the hatred of Jews, homosexuals, Romani, or Communists; or sheer psychopathic sadism.
—Foreign Affairs, 14 Jan. 2025
Estrada praised his team for going after white supremacist gangs, fentanyl dealers, environmental polluters and other miscreants while favoring no party and no ideology.
—Gustavo Arellano, Los Angeles Times, 13 Jan. 2025
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Dictionary Entries Near ideology
Cite this Entry
“Ideology.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ideology. Accessed 27 Jan. 2025.
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ideology
noun
ˌid-
Medical Definition
ideology
noun
ˌid-
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