Definition

1. Noun:
   • A political theory or system where a ruler holds complete and unrestricted power: Absolutism refers to a form of government in which a single leader, such as a monarch, possesses ultimate authority and is not bound by any constitution, laws, or checks from other branches of government or the people.
   • The principle or practice of absolute authority: It denotes the doctrine that political power should be absolute and centralized.
   • The state of being absolute or unconditional: In a broader philosophical sense, it can refer to the belief in an absolute being or the principle of absoluteness in any domain.

Examples of Usage

• Noun:
  • The king's rule was characterized by absolutism, with no parliament to limit his decrees.
  • Philosophers debated the merits of absolutism versus constitutional monarchy.
  • The era was marked by the absolutism of several European monarchs.

Advanced Usage

• "Moral absolutism": The ethical view that certain actions are absolutely right or wrong, regardless of context.
  • His stance was one of moral absolutism, refusing any compromise on the issue.
• "Epistemological absolutism": The philosophical position that absolute truth is attainable.
  • The theory was criticized for its epistemological absolutism.

Variants and Related Words

• Absolutist (noun): A person who supports or practices absolutism.
  • The absolutist believed the monarch's power was divinely ordained.
• Absolutist (adjective): Relating to or characteristic of absolutism.
  • An absolutist regime often suppresses dissent.
• Absolute (adjective): Complete, not limited or restricted.
  • The ruler demanded absolute obedience.

Synonyms

• Autocracy: A system of government by one person with absolute power.
• Despotism: The exercise of absolute power, especially in a cruel and oppressive way.
• Tyranny: Cruel and oppressive government or rule.
• Dictatorship: Government by a dictator with absolute power.

Related Phrases

• "Divine right of kings": A doctrine in support of monarchical absolutism, asserting that a monarch derives the right to rule directly from the will of God.
  • The king justified his absolutism by appealing to the divine right of kings.

Related Idioms

• "Rule with an iron fist": To govern in a very strict and often cruel manner, characteristic of absolutist control.
  • The historical dictator was known to rule with an iron fist.

Noun

1. the doctrine of an absolute being
2. the principle of complete and unrestricted power in government
3. a form of government in which the ruler is an absolute dictator (not restricted by a constitution or laws or opposition etc.)
4. dominance through threat of punishment and violence