absolutism

Etymology

First attested in 1753 (in the theological sense); attested in 1830 in the political sense. From absolute + -ism, based after French absolutisme.

noun

  1. (theology) Doctrine of preordination; doctrine of absolute decrees; doctrine that God acts in an absolute manner.
  2. (political science, sociology) The principles or practice of absolute or arbitrary government; despotism.
    The element of absolutism and prelacy was more controlling in the counsels of the rival corporation. 1859, John Gorham Palfrey, chapter IV, in History of New England, volume I, page 217
  3. (philosophy) Belief in a metaphysical absolute; belief in Absolute.
  4. Positiveness; the state of being absolute.
  5. (rare) The characteristic of being absolute in nature or scope; absoluteness.
    It was the absolutism of his ambition to be a perfect writer (and perhaps also the perfect son) that imperiled him. 2003, Ruth R. Wisse, The Modern Jewish Canon: A Journey Through Language

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