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policy

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noun British English pronunciation: policy /ˈpɒləsi/ 
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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.

    foreign/housing etc policy:

    the government’s economic policy

    policy on/regarding:

    What is the party’s policy on immigration?

    policy for:

    The company has set out its policies for future mineral development.

    policy of (=having the character of something):

    a policy of neutrality

    policy towards:

    Soviet policy towards Afghanistan

    formulate/develop a policy:

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

    pursue/operate/implement a policy:

    The new government is expected to pursue a vigorous environmental policy.

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

    The college will be expanding in line with the government’s policy to increase student numbers.

    shift/change/reversal of policy:

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

    the cornerstone/central plank of a policy:

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

    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 government policy makers

      Thesaurus entry for this meaning of  policyThesaurus entry for this meaning of policy
  2. 2
    [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
  3. 3
    [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

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

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