Reactionary

/riˈakʃənˌerē/

Meaning & Definition

noun

A person who holds reactionary views or promotes reactionary policies.

The political debate was dominated by reactionaries who resisted any form of innovation.

Someone who seeks to restore a previous order or system.

She was labeled a reactionary for her outspoken opposition to the new welfare reforms.

adjective

Opposing political or social progress or reform; favoring a return to a previous state or condition.

The reactionary policies of the government aimed to reverse the social reforms implemented in the previous decade.

Characterized by a desire to return to a past social or political system.

Many reactionary figures within the party advocated for traditional values and an end to modern changes.

Relating to or denoting a reaction against progress or change.

His reactionary views on education sparked a heated debate among the faculty.

From Latin 'reactio' meaning 'a returning', combined with the suffix '-ary' indicating relating to.

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.

conservative

A person or group holding traditional attitudes and values.

liberal

A person who advocates for social reform and progressive views.

Old-school

He's such an old-school guy, always stuck in reactionary thoughts.

Dino

Don't be a dino, man, embrace the modern ideas instead of being reactionary.