ABSOLUTISM

absolutism

(noun) the doctrine of an absolute being

absolutism, totalitarianism, totalism

(noun) the principle of complete and unrestricted power in government

dictatorship, absolutism, authoritarianism, Caesarism, despotism, monocracy, one-man rule, shogunate, Stalinism, totalitarianism, tyranny

(noun) a form of government in which the ruler is an absolute dictator (not restricted by a constitution or laws or opposition etc.)

absolutism, tyranny, despotism

(noun) dominance through threat of punishment and violence

Source: WordNet® 3.1

Etymology

Noun

absolutism (countable and uncountable, plural absolutisms)

(theology) Doctrine of preordination; doctrine of absolute decrees; doctrine that God acts in an absolute manner. [First attested in the mid 18^th century.]

(political science) The principles or practice of absolute or arbitrary government; despotism. [First attested in the early 19^th century.]

(philosophy) Belief in a metaphysical absolute; belief in Absolute. [First attested in the late 19^th century.]

Positiveness; the state of being absolute.

(rare) The characteristic of being absolute in nature or scope; absoluteness.

Hyponyms

• moral absolutism

Source: Wiktionary

Ab"so*lu`tism, n.

1. The state of being absolute; the system or doctrine of the absolute; the principles or practice of absolute or arbitrary government; despotism. The element of absolutism and prelacy was controlling. Palfrey.

2. (Theol.)

Definition: Doctrine of absolute decrees. Ash.

Source: Webster’s Unabridged Dictionary 1913 Edition