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.

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

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.