ɪn.ˈʃʊɹ.əns ɪn.ˈʃʊə.ɹəns a plan of action adopted by an individual or social group it was a policy of retribution a politician keeps changing his policies written contract or certificate of insurance you should have read the small print on your policy a line of argument rationalizing the course of action of a government they debated the policy or impolicy of the proposed legislation