Hobbesian

comparative more Hobbesian · superlative most Hobbesian · alternative Hobbian · alternative Hobbsian

1. human sciencesOf, relating to, or influenced by Thomas Hobbes or his philosophical theories.

   a Hobbesian theory of the state

   Synonyms: Hobbist, Hobbistical, Hobbish

2. figurativelyInvolving unrestrained, selfish, and uncivilized competition.

   a cutthroat, Hobbesian environment

   2 more examples

   In Hammett's writings, the social is constructed as a vast Hobbesian landscape of grim functionaries and desperate scrabblers […]

   1995, Fred Pfeil, White Guys: Studies in Postmodern Domination and Difference, →ISBN, page 150

   Yet the focus on pushing for the best result has also fueled what current and former Uber employees describe as a Hobbesian environment at the company, in which workers are sometimes pitted against one another and where a blind eye is turned to infractions from top performers.

   2017 February 22, Mike Isaac, “Inside Uber’s Aggressive, Unrestrained Workplace Culture”, in New York Times

plural Hobbesians · alternative Hobbian · alternative Hobbsian

1. human sciencesA follower of the theories of Thomas Hobbes.

   Hobbesians purport to describe social order as it is: a constant, iron-fisted effort to crush enemies and to incapacitate criminals.

   2019, François Bonnet, The Upper Limit: How Low-Wage Work Defines Punishment and Welfare, →ISBN, page 120

   Synonyms: Hobbist