What is the Latin word for policy?

The usual Latin words for “policy” are prūdēns, cōnsilium, calliditās; also concēdō. The right choice depends on the sense; see the distinctions below.

English → Latin

“policy” in Latin

prūdēnswise, prudent; skilful, knowledgeable (in a specific matter)cōnsiliumplan, intention, design, purpose; counsel, advice; determination, resolve, resolution calliditāsshrewdness, readiness, aptness; skill, skilfulness; cunning, craft, slyness, artfulness concēdōto depart, retire or withdraw, come away, come, go away; to disappear or vanish; to relinquish, concede, relent, subside

The English word policy itself goes back to Latin polītīa.

Riddle & Arnold A Copious and Critical English–Latin Lexicon, 1864

policy

Act of government, prudentia or ratio civilis; disciplina reipublicae (Cic.).

Cunning, device, prudentia: consilium; calliditas; ars. Crafty policy., callida consilia (plur.); callidae artes: to act from policy, prudenter, callide facere aliquid; tempori inservire, concedere, aliquid dare (after Cic.).

Quick answer

What is the Latin word for policy?: The usual Latin words for “policy” are prūdēns, cōnsilium, calliditās; also concēdō. The right choice depends on the sense; see the distinctions below.

Entry from J. E. Riddle & T. K. Arnold, A Copious and Critical English–Latin Lexicon (rev. C. Anthon, New York: Harper, 1864), digitised by Fergus J. P. Walsh, CC BY-SA 4.0; Latin markup adapted by latindictionary.co.