divine right

the theory or presumption that monarchs derive their authority to govern directly from God and not from the governed or any entity representative of them. The theory saw its heyday under the reigns of the English kings James I (1603–1625) and Charles I (1625–1649) and the French king Louis XIV (1643–1715). Also called divine right of kings. See also social contract.

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Psychology term of the day

January 28th 2025

antipyretic

n. a drug that helps control fever or other forms of hyperthermia (raised body temperature) by acting on the thermoregulatory center in the hypothalamus. Antipyretics may also help the body to dissipate heat faster by dilating peripheral arteries. Aspirin and other nonopioid analgesics function as antipyretics.