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policy

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noun American English pronunciation: policy /ˈpɑləsi/ 
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singularpolicy
pluralpolicies
  1. 1
    [countable/uncountable] a set of plans or actions agreed on by a government, political party, business, or other group

    It is not the hospital’s policy to disclose the names of patients.

    pursue/operate/implement a policy:

    The new president is expected to pursue a pro-environmental policy.

    policy on/regarding:

    What is the party’s policy on immigration?

    policy for:

    The company has outlined its policies for future mineral development.

    shift/change/reversal of policy:

    In an apparent reversal of policy, the foundation agreed to fund the project.

    foreign/housing etc. policy:

    the state’s economic policy

    the cornerstone/central plank of a policy:

    We will make human rights the cornerstone of our foreign policy.

    policy of (=having the character of something):

    a policy of neutrality

    policy toward:

    Soviet policy toward Afghanistan

    be in line/in accordance/in keeping with a policy:

    The college will be expanding in line with the Board’s policy to enlarge the student body.

    formulate/develop a policy:

    The government has undertaken to formulate new anti-racist policies.

    Thesaurus entry for this meaning of  policyThesaurus entry for this meaning of policy
    1. a.
      [only before noun] relating to policies

      What are their policy objectives?

      interviews with influential policy makers

      Thesaurus entry for this meaning of  policyThesaurus entry for this meaning of policy
  2. 2
    [countable] a contract between an insurance company and a person or organization

    Read the wording of your policy very carefully.

    Thesaurus entry for this meaning of  policyThesaurus entry for this meaning of policy
  3. 3
    [countable/uncountable] a principle or set of ideas that you think is sensible or wise

    Honesty is the best policy.

    Thesaurus entry for this meaning of  policyThesaurus entry for this meaning of policy

This is the American English definition of policy. View British English definition of policy.

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