absolutizes

Absolutizes is the third-person singular present tense of the verb absolutize, meaning to treat or present something as absolute, unconditional, or universally valid, often by removing qualifiers or exceptions. The act can involve making a contingent claim appear universal, or granting it final authority over related judgments or norms.

Etymology and forms: The term derives from the adjective absolute, with the productive suffix -ize. Related forms include absolutize (the base verb), absolutization (the noun), and the related noun absolutism or adjective absolutist. British English may spell it absolutise, while American English typically uses absolutize.

Usage and context: Absolutizes is used across philosophy, political rhetoric, critical theory, and linguistic analysis to describe argumentative or discursive moves that treat context-bound statements as if they were universally applicable. It can refer to claims about morality, law, culture, policy, or identity that are framed as unconditionally true. Example: a policy described as benefiting all people regardless of circumstance might be criticized as absolutizing the role of the state.

Connotation and nuance: The term commonly carries a critical or evaluative tone, signaling dogmatism, essentialism, or power-driven rhetoric. While often negative, usage can be descriptive in analytical writing, noting how certain actors or texts render claims absolute.

See also: Absolutism, universalism, essentialism, dogmatism.