Absolutism: meaning, definitions and examples

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absolutism

 

[ หˆรฆb.sษ™.luห.tษช.zษ™m ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

political theory

Absolutism is a political doctrine and practice where a single authority, often a monarch, has absolute power over the state and government. In this system, the ruler's power is not constrained by laws, a constitution, or other governmental bodies. Absolutism prevailed in various forms during the early modern period, with notable examples in France under Louis XIV. The ideology often involves the centralization of power and may also be associated with divine right, where the monarch's authority is justified by divine sanction.

Synonyms

autocracy, despotism, dictatorship

Examples of usage

  • Louis XIV is a notable example of absolutism in France.
  • Many consider the reign of Peter the Great to exemplify Russian absolutism.
  • Absolutism was commonly practiced in Europe before the Enlightenment.

Translations

Translations of the word "absolutism" in other languages:

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡น absolutismo

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ณ เคชเฅ‚เคฐเฅเคฃเคคเคพเคตเคพเคฆ

๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ช Absolutismus

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ฉ absolutisme

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ะฐะฑัะพะปัŽั‚ะธะทะผ

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ฑ absolutyzm

๐Ÿ‡ฏ๐Ÿ‡ต ็ตถๅฏพไธป็พฉ

๐Ÿ‡ซ๐Ÿ‡ท absolutisme

๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡ธ absolutismo

๐Ÿ‡น๐Ÿ‡ท mutlakiyet

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ท ์ ˆ๋Œ€์ฃผ์˜

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ุงู„ุงุณุชุจุฏุงุฏ

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ฟ absolutismus

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฐ absolutizmus

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ณ ็ปๅฏนไธปไน‰

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฎ absolutizem

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ธ absolรบtismi

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ฟ ะฐะฑัะพะปัŽั‚ะธะทะผ

๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ช แƒแƒ‘แƒกแƒแƒšแƒฃแƒขแƒ˜แƒ–แƒ›แƒ˜

๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡ฟ absolutizm

๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ absolutismo

Etymology

The term 'absolutism' is derived from the Latin word 'absolutus,' which means 'set free' or 'loosened.' The idea began to take shape during the late Middle Ages, evolving as monarchs sought more centralized power. The peak of absolutism in Europe occurred in the 17th and 18th centuries, particularly in countries like France and Russia. Philosophers such as Thomas Hobbes supported the idea of absolute sovereignty, arguing that a powerful, centralized authority was necessary to maintain peace and prevent civil war. The decline of absolutism was spurred by enlightenment ideas advocating for democratic governance, which culminated in revolutions like the French Revolution. This historical context is vital to understanding how absolutism was both challenged and reinforced throughout the ages.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #20,538, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.