constitutionalism

[ kon-sti-too-shuh-nl-iz-uhm, -tyoo- ]

noun
  1. the principles of constitutional government or adherence to them.

  2. constitutional rule or authority.

Origin of constitutionalism

1
First recorded in 1825–35; constitutional + -ism

Other words from constitutionalism

  • an·ti·con·sti·tu·tion·al·ism, noun
  • hy·per·con·sti·tu·tion·al·ism, noun
  • pro·con·sti·tu·tion·al·ism, noun

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2024

British Dictionary definitions for constitutionalism

constitutionalism

/ (ˌkɒnstɪˈtjuːʃənəˌlɪzəm) /


noun
  1. the principles, spirit, or system of government in accord with a constitution, esp a written constitution

  2. adherence to or advocacy of such a system or such principles

Derived forms of constitutionalism

  • constitutionalist, noun

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012