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Absolutism

//ˈæb.səˌluˌtɪz.m̩// noun

Definitions

Noun
  1. 1
    Doctrine of preordination; doctrine of absolute decrees; doctrine that God acts in an absolute manner. countable, uncountable
  2. 2
    the doctrine of an absolute being, often related to idealism in philosophy. wordnet
  3. 3
    The principles or practice of absolute or arbitrary government; Synonym of despotism. countable, uncountable

    "The element of absolutism and prelacy was more controlling in the counsels of the rival corporation."

  4. 4
    an ideological belief in the complete and unrestricted power of government. wordnet
  5. 5
    Belief in a metaphysical absolute; belief in Absolute. countable, uncountable
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  1. 6
    a form of government in which the ruler is an absolute dictator (not restricted by a constitution or laws or opposition etc.) wordnet
  2. 7
    Positiveness; the state of being absolute. countable, uncountable
  3. 8
    dominance through threat of punishment and violence wordnet
  4. 9
    The characteristic of being absolute in nature or scope; absoluteness. countable, rare, uncountable

    "It was the absolutism of his ambition to be a perfect writer (and perhaps also the perfect son) that imperiled him."

Etymology

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

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