Meaning & Definition of word "Reactionary"

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.