absolute intolerance

[/ˈæbsəluːt ɪnˈtɒlərəns/]
nounfemininepl: absolute intolerances / intolerâncias absolutas
intolerância absoluta
1. Complete inability or unwillingness to accept, tolerate, or endure something; zero tolerance for a particular condition, behavior, or substance
The company has an absolute intolerance for dishonesty in the workplace.
A empresa tem uma intolerância absoluta para com a desonestidade no local de trabalho.
2. A physiological condition where the body cannot accept or process a substance, food, or medication at all
He developed an absolute intolerance to dairy products after the surgery.
Ele desenvolveu uma intolerância absoluta a produtos lácteos após a cirurgia.
3. An unwavering stance of non-acceptance toward a particular ideology, belief, or group
The regime's absolute intolerance of dissent led to widespread oppression.
A intolerância absoluta do regime à dissensão levou a uma opressão generalizada.
In Brazilian culture, while tolerance and flexibility (jogo de cintura) are generally valued, the concept of 'absolute intolerance' is used in formal contexts such as workplace policies, legal frameworks, and medical discussions. In the USA, 'zero tolerance' policies became particularly prominent in schools and law enforcement starting in the 1990s. The phrase reflects stricter, more uncompromising attitudes that contrast with more flexible cultural norms in both countries.
NYC Slang
zero tolerance, no-go, hard pass
Synonyms / Sinônimos
zero tolerancecomplete rejectionoutright refusalrigid intoleranceuncompromising stance
Antonyms / Antônimos
acceptancetoleranceopen-mindednessflexibilitypermissiveness

Regional Variations

General Brazilian
intolerância absoluta
Standard usage across all Brazilian regions
Rio de Janeiro
intolerância total / zero tolerância
Informal variant using 'total' or English borrowing 'zero tolerância'
São Paulo
intolerância absoluta / recusa total
May use 'recusa total' (complete refusal) as alternative
Portugal
intolerância absoluta / falta de tolerância
More formal, may use 'falta de tolerância' (lack of tolerance)

Related Words

intoleranceallergyincompatibilityrejectionrigiditydogmatismprejudicediscrimination

Related Idioms & Phrases

to draw the line at something
to have a zero-tolerance policy
to refuse to budge
my way or the highway
not willing to bend
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