English Dictionary

Definition of “absolutism”

absolutism (ˈæbsəluːˌtɪzəm Pronunciation for absolutism

Definitions

noun

  1. the principle or practice of a political system in which unrestricted power is vested in a monarch, dictator, etc; despotism
  2. (philosophy)
    1. any theory which holds that truth or moral or aesthetic value is absolute and universal and not relative to individual or social differences Compare relativism
    2. the doctrine that reality is unitary and unchanging and that change and diversity are mere illusion See also monism (sense 2), pluralism (sense 5b)
  3. (Christianity) an uncompromising form of the doctrine of predestination

Derived Forms

ˈabsoˌlutist noun, adjective

Synonyms

View thesaurus entry
= dictatorship, tyranny, totalitarianism, authoritarianism, despotism, autocracy, arbitrariness, absolute rule, absoluteness, autarchy

Example Sentences Including 'absolutism'

Although still highly contentious, critical analyses of race must avoid replacing biological absolutism by ethnic absolutism.
Lee Harvey Critical Social Research
Another big mistake is negative absolutism : "I will never do X again" is, it seems, a route to failure.
New Scientist (2004)
It would be a stretch to say their efforts alone elected Bush and pushed the US into some kind of unenlightened moral absolutism.
The Australian (2004)
Perhaps this background helps explain why Bourne is not attracted to green absolutism that is indifferent to any social or economic cost.
The Australian (2004)
The absolutism of his position is striking and unfashionable.
Times, Sunday Times (2005)

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