Definitions

1. noun

relating to or characteristic of Thomas Hobbes, a 17th-century English philosopher, especially in his advocacy of a strong central authority and a pessimistic view of human nature.

“The politician’s hobbesian approach to law and order has been criticized for being overly restrictive.”

2. adjective

characterized by a strong central authority and a pessimistic view of human nature, often with a focus on security and stability.

“The government’s hobbesian response to the crisis was to increase military presence and surveillance.”

3. noun

a state of war or conflict, especially one characterized by a lack of trust or cooperation.

“The country is in a state of hobbesian chaos, with rival factions vying for power.”