absolutism

The story

1. French · derived fromabsolutisme
2. English todayabsolutism

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

First known use, by meaning

• First attested in the mid 18ᵗʰ century. Doctrine of preordination; doctrine of absolute decrees; doctrine that God acts in an absolute manner.
• First attested in the early 19ᵗʰ century. The principles or practice of absolute or arbitrary government; Synonym of despotism.
• First attested in the late 19ᵗʰ century. Belief in a metaphysical absolute; belief in Absolute.