absolutism

[ ab-suh-loo-tiz-uhm ]

noun

1. the principle or the exercise of complete and unrestricted power in government.

   Synonyms: totalitarianism

2. any theory holding that values, principles, etc., are absolute and not relative, dependent, or changeable.

absolutism

/ ˈæbsəluːˌtɪzəm /

noun

1. the principle or practice of a political system in which unrestricted power is vested in a monarch, dictator, etc; despotism
2. philosophy
   1. any theory which holds that truth or moral or aesthetic value is absolute and universal and not relative to individual or social differences Compare relativism
   2. the doctrine that reality is unitary and unchanging and that change and diversity are mere illusion See also monism pluralism
3. Christianity an uncompromising form of the doctrine of predestination

Derived Forms

• ˈabsoˌlutist, nounadjective

Other Words From

• abso·lutist noun adjective
• abso·lu·tistic adjective
• abso·lu·tisti·cal·ly adverb
• non·abso·lutist noun
• nonab·so·lu·tistic adjective
• nonab·so·lu·tisti·cal·ly adverb
• pro·abso·lutism noun
• pro·abso·lutist adjective noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of absolutism¹

First recorded in 1745–55

Example Sentences

Zero-sum thinking after one year of catastrophic conflict has created discord, hate and absolutism.

From Los Angeles Times

To his critics, it’s absolutism with a political slant.

From Seattle Times

Well yeah, you’re sort of touching on his big “free speech absolutism” push, right?

From Los Angeles Times

"Will he make concessions with his absolutism on speech to bring back advertisers? Because that's what it really comes down to," he said.

From BBC

This is how claims of “free speech absolutism” live alongside rapidly honored requests to remove dissenting posts in autocratic countries like Turkey — and Modi’s India.

From Los Angeles Times