absolute monarchy

American  

[ab-suh-loot mon-er-kee] / ˈæb səˌlut ˈmɒn ər ki /

noun

1. a monarchy that is not limited or restrained by laws or a constitution.

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absolute monarchy British  

noun

1. a monarchy without constitutional limits Compare constitutional monarchy

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absolute monarchy Cultural  

1. Rule by one person — a monarch, usually a king or a queen — whose actions are restricted neither by written law nor by custom; a system different from a constitutional monarchy and from a republic. Absolute monarchy persisted in France until 1789 and in Russia until 1917.

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Other Word Forms

• absolute monarch noun

Compare meaning

How does absolute-monarchy compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

• absolute monarchy vs. constitutional monarchy

Example Sentences

Formerly known as Swaziland, the country is the last absolute monarchy in Africa.

From Barron's

Roberto Mosquera's family had no trace of him for a month after he was arrested by US immigration agents, until a government social media post revealed he had been deported to Africa’s last absolute monarchy.

From Barron's

Eswatini is the last absolute monarchy in Africa.

From BBC

Eswatini, the last absolute monarchy in Africa, has not commented on the arrival of the flight.

From BBC

Mlungisi Makhanya, 46, has been living in exile in neighbouring South Africa for the last two years, saying he fears for his life at home following a violent crackdown on pro-democracy activists in Africa's last remaining absolute monarchy.

From BBC