# absolutist

/æbsəˈɫutɪst/ (US) · /ˈæbsəlˌuːtɪst/ (UK) · CEFR B2 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/absolutist
Updated: 2026-05-18

## Definition

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

For teachers: 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.

## Examples

- The absolutist ruler refused to listen to any advice.
- The new absolutist in the office changed the rules without consulting the rest of the team.
- Historians often debate whether the rise of the absolutist state was a necessary step toward modern governance or a regression into tyranny.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.