absolutism

plural absolutisms

1. countableuncountablelifestyleDoctrine of preordination; doctrine of absolute decrees; doctrine that God acts in an absolute manner.First known use First attested in the mid 18ᵗʰ century.
2. countableuncountablehuman sciencesThe principles or practice of absolute or arbitrary government; Synonym of despotism.First known use First attested in the early 19ᵗʰ century.

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

   1859, John Gorham Palfrey, chapter IV, in History of New England, volume I, page 217

   1 more example

   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.

   2019, John Gascoigne, Science and the State, page 54

3. countableuncountablehuman sciencesBelief in a metaphysical absolute; belief in Absolute.First known use First attested in the late 19ᵗʰ century.
4. countableuncountablePositiveness; the state of being absolute.
5. countablerareuncountableThe characteristic of being absolute in nature or scope; absoluteness.

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

   2003, Ruth R. Wisse, The Modern Jewish Canon: A Journey Through Language, →ISBN