policy

Definition

A principle of behaviour, conduct which an entity (government, organization, etc.) applies or seeks to follow, especially as formally expressed by an authoritative body.

Etymology

From Middle English policie, from Old French policie, pollicie and police, from Late Latin politia (“citizenship; government”), classical Latin polītīa (in Cicero), from Ancient Greek πολιτεία (politeía, “citizenship; polis, (city) state; government”), from πολίτης (polítēs, “citizen”). Doublet of police, polis (“police”), and polity.

Example Sentences

• "The Communist Party has a policy of returning power to the workers."
• "It's company policy that all mobile phones are forbidden in meetings."
• "Federal policy is constructed in complex ways, involving legislation, regulation, and lobbying."