English Reference
Noun

absolutist

n.
B2 Upper Intermediate US /æbsəˈɫutɪst/ UK /ˈæbsəlˌuːtɪst/ ab·so·lutist UK spelling absolutists

n.a person who believes in having total power or control over everything. They do not accept any limits on their authority.

n.a person who advocates for or exercises total power and control, rejecting any limitations on authority. Often used in political or historical contexts to describe leaders who demand absolute obedience.


SIMPLE

The absolutist ruler refused to listen to any advice.

CONTEXTUAL

The new absolutist in the office changed the rules without consulting the rest of the team.

COMPLEX

Historians often debate whether the rise of the absolutist state was a necessary step toward modern governance or a regression into tyranny.


From absolute + -ist after French absolutiste.

Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

This entry
Origin French absolutiste
Level B2 · Upper Intermediate
Frequency Occasional
Updated