The Hippocratic oath is a formal promise made by recently-qualified doctors that they will follow the standards set by their profession and try to preserve life.
Hippocratic oath in British English
(ˌhɪpəʊˈkrætɪk)
noun
an oath taken by a doctor to observe a code of medical ethics supposedly derived from that of Hippocrates
Hippocratic oath in American English
the oath generally taken by students receiving a medical degree: it is attributed to Hippocrates and sets forth an ethical code for the medical profession
Examples of 'Hippocratic oath' in a sentence
Hippocratic oath
Didn't believe that the Germans would not respect his Hippocratic oath.
Hilton, John Buxton MOONDROP TO MURDER (2003)
Dr Rhys was young and handsome and believed in the Hippocratic oath.
Salley Vickers MR GOLIGHTLY'S HOLIDAY (2003)
If I hadn't taken the Hippocratic oath this would be a knife.