Absolutism

Quick meaning: Absolutism is a noun meaning (theology) Doctrine of preordination; doctrine of absolute decrees; doctrine that God acts in an absolute manner.

Meaning

(theology) Doctrine of preordination; doctrine of absolute decrees; doctrine that God acts in an absolute manner.

More Meanings

1. (political science, sociology) The principles or practice of absolute or arbitrary government; Synonym of despotism.
2. (philosophy) Belief in a metaphysical absolute; belief in Absolute.
3. Positiveness; the state of being absolute.
4. (rare) The characteristic of being absolute in nature or scope; absoluteness.

Example Sentences

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

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

As absolutism became more consolidated in Europe, and particularly in France, such nonabsolutist states tended to define themselves in opposition to their absolutist rivals: hence, those features of their government which differed from absolutism tended to be given special prominence.

Word Forms

• absolutisms

Synonyms for absolutism

Depending on context, synonyms include tyranny, despotism, authoritarianism, dictatorship, totalitarianism, monocracy.

Related Words

Related dictionary entries include monocracy, totalism, tyranny, despotism, dictatorship, totalitarianism.

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