moral code

[mawr-uhl kohd, mor-]

noun

1. a set of rules or principles of ethical conduct for a person or a group of people.

   The moral code and religious law of Islam deals with broad topics, such as crime and politics, but also with personal matters, like diet and prayer.

   She refused to take the job, saying that it was incompatible with her personal moral code.

Word History and Origins

Origin of moral code¹

First recorded in 1750–60

Example Sentences

Every story about Gavin Newsom must be prefaced by the acknowledgment that the California governor is a bloodless political chameleon whose moral code seems to be permanently up for negotiation.

From Slate

A student who did not want to be named told the BBC that the university enforced a strict moral code despite not being a religious institution.

From BBC

The church has a strict moral code - the sexes sit separately inside the auditorium during ordinary services and dating is not allowed.

From BBC

In surrendering their dignity and self-respect by kowtowing to Trump, he gives them something in return: a permission slip to break the moral code of civilized society.

From Salon

It’d be overkill to call this a journey into George and Kathryn’s unusual moral code.

From Los Angeles Times