Reactionary: meaning, definitions and examples
⏪
reactionary
[ rɪˈækʃəˌnɛri ]
politics
Opposing political or social progress or reform; ultraconservative.
Synonyms
conservative, traditionalist, ultraconservative
Examples of usage
- His reactionary views on immigration are not in line with the current policies.
- The party is split between progressive members and reactionary traditionalists.
- The reactionary faction has been gaining influence within the government.
- She criticized the reactionary attitudes towards gender equality in the workplace.
politics
A person who holds political views that favor a return to the status quo or a previous state of society.
Synonyms
conservative, traditionalist, ultraconservative
Examples of usage
- The leader of the opposition party is considered a reactionary by many.
- His reputation as a reactionary precedes him in the political arena.
- The group is comprised of both radicals and reactionaries.
- Many view him as a reactionary due to his opposition to social reforms.
Translations
Translations of the word "reactionary" in other languages:
🇵🇹 reacionário
🇮🇳 प्रतिक्रियावादी
🇩🇪 reaktionär
🇮🇩 reaksioner
🇺🇦 реакційний
🇵🇱 reakcyjny
🇯🇵 反動的 (はんどうてき)
🇫🇷 réactionnaire
🇪🇸 reaccionario
🇹🇷 gerici
🇰🇷 반동적인 (반동적)
🇸🇦 رجعي
🇨🇿 reakční
🇸🇰 reakčný
🇨🇳 反动 (fǎndòng)
🇸🇮 reakcionaren
🇮🇸 afturhaldssamur
🇰🇿 реакциялық
🇬🇪 რეაქციონერი
🇦🇿 reaksioner
🇲🇽 reaccionario
Word origin
The term 'reactionary' originated in the early 19th century, derived from the word 'reaction' with the suffix '-ary'. It was initially used in a political context to describe those who were opposed to liberal or progressive ideas, seeking to return to a previous state of society. The term has evolved to encompass a broader meaning of opposing social or political change, often associated with conservative or ultraconservative views.
See also: reactionism.