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.