Reactionary Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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reactionary
[rɪˈækʃəˌnɛri ]
Definitions
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
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Interesting Facts
Historical Origins
- The term 'reactionary' originated in France during the early 19th century, primarily describing royalists opposed to revolutionary changes.
- It gained prominence after the French Revolution as a way to label those who resisted the new political ideas and sought to reinstate the monarchy.
- In Italian, the term 'reazionario' was used similarly, extending the concept to describe resistance against modernity in various social contexts.
Political Context
- In political discourse, reactionaries are often associated with far-right ideologies that advocate for traditionalist values.
- The term can be used to describe individuals or groups within any political spectrum who seek to revert to earlier political structures.
- Some scholars argue that reactionary movements arise in response to rapid social changes, reflecting fear or dissatisfaction with the new order.
Pop Culture
- In literature, reactionary characters often appear as antagonists who resist change, representing themes of nostalgia and resistance.
- Movies and TV shows sometimes portray reactionary figures as the 'bad guys' because their refusal to adapt leads to conflict.
- Popular songs have included themes of reactionary sentiments, expressing longing for an idealized past.
Sociology
- Sociologists study reactionary movements to understand how groups mobilize against progressive changes in society.
- These movements often emerge during times of economic or social stress, when people feel insecure about their future.
- The psychology behind reactionary beliefs can relate to identity preservation, where individuals cling to familiar ideas as a source of security.
Examples in History
- The restoration of monarchies in Europe after revolutions showcases reactionary efforts to reclaim previous power structures.
- The backlash against civil rights movements in the 1960s led to reactionary groups advocating for returning to traditional societal norms.
- In recent years, reactionary political parties have gained attention in various countries, often promising to 'take back' their nations from perceived outsiders.
Origin of 'reactionary'
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.