monroe doctrine: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
LowFormal, Academic, Historical, Political
Quick answer
What does “monroe doctrine” mean?
A fundamental principle of U.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A fundamental principle of U.S. foreign policy, originating in 1823, which declared that the Americas were closed to further European colonization and that the United States would view any European intervention in the Western Hemisphere as a hostile act.
Any policy or doctrine asserting a sphere of influence and opposition to external intervention, often used metaphorically to describe a declared exclusive domain or a non-interventionist stance in a specific region or field.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Primarily an American term. In British and other international contexts, it is used when discussing U.S. foreign policy history. Less likely to be used metaphorically in non-U.S. English.
Connotations
In American usage, can carry connotations of historical pride, sovereignty, or isolationism. In international usage, may carry connotations of American imperialism or hegemony.
Frequency
Significantly more frequent in American English, particularly in academic, historical, and political discourse. Rare in everyday British conversation.
Grammar
How to Use “monroe doctrine” in a Sentence
The [AGENT] invoked the Monroe Doctrine to [ACTION].The Monroe Doctrine was used to justify [EVENT/ACTION].[COUNTRY/LEADER] declared a Monroe Doctrine for [REGION].Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “monroe doctrine” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The government was accused of attempting to Monroe-doctrine the entire region.
American English
- Some analysts fear the nation seeks to Monroe Doctrine its neighbouring countries.
adjective
British English
- The speech had a Monroe-Doctrine-like tone to it.
American English
- They adopted a Monroe Doctrine stance on the issue.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. May be used metaphorically in strategy: 'The company established a Monroe Doctrine in its home market, blocking all foreign competitors.'
Academic
Common in History, Political Science, and International Relations papers and lectures to analyze U.S. foreign policy and its legacy.
Everyday
Very rare. Might appear in high-level political news commentary.
Technical
Specific term in diplomatic history and geopolitical analysis.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “monroe doctrine”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “monroe doctrine”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “monroe doctrine”
- Incorrectly capitalizing 'doctrine' when used generically (e.g., 'a monroe doctrine' is incorrect).
- Using it to refer to any isolationist policy globally, rather than one specifically related to a declared sphere of influence.
- Misspelling as 'Monrow Doctrine' or 'Monro Doctrine'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Its core principle of opposing external intervention in the Americas remains influential, but its application has evolved. It is not invoked as formally as in the past, and modern inter-American relations are more multilateral.
President James Monroe, who articulated the policy in his annual message to Congress in December 1823, though his Secretary of State, John Quincy Adams, played a major role in its formulation.
Originally, it did not apply to existing European colonies, which included British Canada. Its main focus was on preventing new colonization and the re-imposition of control over newly independent Latin American nations.
An addition by President Theodore Roosevelt in 1904 which asserted the right of the United States to intervene militarily in Latin American countries to stabilize their economies and pre-empt European intervention, significantly expanding the Doctrine's scope.
A fundamental principle of U.
Monroe doctrine is usually formal, academic, historical, political in register.
Monroe doctrine: in British English it is pronounced /mənˌrəʊ ˈdɒktrɪn/, and in American English it is pronounced /mənˈroʊ ˈdɑːktrɪn/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “A Monroe Doctrine for the digital age.”
- “Lay down a Monroe Doctrine.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: President Monroe said 'NO' (sounds like 'Monroe') to Europe in the Americas. The Doctrine drew a line down the middle of the Atlantic.
Conceptual Metaphor
THE WESTERN HEMISPHERE IS A CLOSED GARDEN (requiring protection from outside gardeners). THE UNITED STATES IS THE REGIONAL GUARDIAN/POLICEMAN.
Practice
Quiz
What was the primary geopolitical focus of the Monroe Doctrine?