Absolutism

Pronunciation

• UK IPA: /ˈæb.sÉ™.luː.tɪz.mÌ©/, /ˈæb.sÉ™.ljuː.tɪz.mÌ©/
• US IPA: /ˈæb.səˌluËŒtɪz.mÌ©/, /ˈæb.səˌljuËŒtɪz.mÌ©/

Origin

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

SOED5|page=9

Full definition of absolutism

Noun

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

1. (political science) The principles or practice of absolute or arbitrary government; despotism. First attested in the early 19^th century.
• The element of absolutism and prelacy was controlling. - Palfrey
2. (philosophy) Belief in a metaphysical absolute; belief in Absolute. First attested in the late 19^th century.
3. Positiveness; the state of being absolute.