Meaning & Definition of word "Reactionary"
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Reactionary
/riˈakʃənˌerē/
noun:
- 1. A person who holds reactionary views or promotes reactionary policies.
- Example: The political debate was dominated by reactionaries who resisted any form of innovation.
- 2. Someone who seeks to restore a previous order or system.
- Example: She was labeled a reactionary for her outspoken opposition to the new welfare reforms.
adjective:
- 1. Opposing political or social progress or reform; favoring a return to a previous state or condition.
- Example: The reactionary policies of the government aimed to reverse the social reforms implemented in the previous decade.
- 2. Characterized by a desire to return to a past social or political system.
- Example: Many reactionary figures within the party advocated for traditional values and an end to modern changes.
- 3. Relating to or denoting a reaction against progress or change.
- Example: His reactionary views on education sparked a heated debate among the faculty.
Etymology
From Latin 'reactio' meaning 'a returning', combined with the suffix '-ary' indicating relating to.
Common Phrases and Expressions
reactionary politics:
Political views that seek to maintain or restore traditional practices and oppose change.
reactionary mindset:
A way of thinking that resists innovation and prefers the past.
Related Words
conservative:
A person or group holding traditional attitudes and values.
liberal:
A person who advocates for social reform and progressive views.
Slang Meanings of reactionary
Meaning: Old-school
Example Sentence: He's such an old-school guy, always stuck in reactionary thoughts.
Meaning: Dino
Example Sentence: Don't be a dino, man, embrace the modern ideas instead of being reactionary.