IPA: /ˈzɑːrɪzəm/
KK: /ˈzɑːrɪzəm/
A type of government where a tsar, or emperor, has absolute power and authority over the state.
During the period of tsarism, the tsar had complete control over the country's laws and policies.
Tsarism is derived from 'tsar' (from Russian 'царь', meaning emperor or king) and the suffix '-ism' (meaning a system or practice). The term refers to the political system or practice of rule by a tsar, particularly in Russia.
Think of a 'tsar' as a ruler or king, and '-ism' as a system of governance. This helps you remember that 'tsarism' is the system of rule by a tsar.