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divine right
noun
: the right of a sovereign to rule as set forth by the theory of government that holds that a monarch receives the right to rule directly from God and not from the people
Examples of divine right in a Sentence
He ruled by divine right.
My boss seems to think he has a divine right to order people around.
Recent Examples on the Web
Powerful rulers led many of these civilizations, combining political and religious power, much as monarchs of Europe in later centuries would claim a divine right to rule.
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The Editors, JSTOR Daily, 21 Nov. 2024
Unlike most American Jews, Huckabee, an evangelical Christian, believes all of the West Bank belongs to Israel by divine right, a position that would preclude a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
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Ron Kampeas, Sun Sentinel, 19 Nov. 2024
The divine right of kings, feudalism, human bondage.
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Jill Lepore, The New Yorker, 4 Nov. 2024
Zelda herself often acts like a mentor to Link, guiding and emboldening him to take what he’s given — often, the divine right to be her swordsman.
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Ashley Bardhan, Rolling Stone, 27 Sep. 2024
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Word History
First Known Use
circa 1600, in the meaning defined above
Dictionary Entries Near divine right
Cite this Entry
“Divine right.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/divine%20right. Accessed 6 Feb. 2025.
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