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

Other Word Forms

• absolutist noun
• absolutistic adjective
• absolutistically adverb
• nonabsolutist noun
• nonabsolutistic adjective
• nonabsolutistically adverb
• proabsolutism noun
• proabsolutist adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of absolutism¹

First recorded in 1745–55

Example Sentences

We may scorn populist leaders for their absolutism, but we often engage in the same dynamic — endorsing takes that simplify, shaming those who hesitate, resharing content that flatters our tribe.

From Salon

Political absolutism has been a temptation throughout American history.

From Salon

The environmental movement, she added, had been taken over by a "radical green absolutism" about net zero.

From BBC

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