reactionary

reactionary
reactionary (adj.) 1831, on model of Fr. réactionnaire (19c.), from réaction (see REACTION (Cf. reaction)). In Marxist use, opposed to revolutionary and used opprobriously in reference to opponents of communism (1858). As a noun "person considered reactionary in politics," by 1875.

Etymology dictionary. 2014.

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  • Reactionary — (also reactionist) is a derogatory term usually used by the left wing in regards to movements which oppose radical change in society and seeks a return to a previous state. The term originated in the French Revolution, denoting the counter… …   Wikipedia

  • reactionary — index hostile, illiberal, malcontent, renitent Burton s Legal Thesaurus. William C. Burton. 2006 …   Law dictionary

  • Reactionary — Re*ac tion*a*ry ( [asl]*r[y^]), a. Being, causing, or favoring reaction; as, reactionary movements. [1913 Webster] …   The Collaborative International Dictionary of English

  • reactionary — [adj] conservative counterrevolutionary, die hard*, obscurantist, old line*, orthodox, regressive, retrogressive, right, rightist*, rigid, standpat*, tory*, traditional, traditionalistic; concepts 529,542 Ant. liberal, progressive, radical… …   New thesaurus

  • reactionary — ► ADJECTIVE ▪ opposing political or social progress or reform. ► NOUN (pl. reactionaries) ▪ a person holding reactionary views …   English terms dictionary

  • reactionary — [rē ak′shə ner΄ē] adj. of, characterized by, or advocating reaction, esp. in politics n. pl. reactionaries a reactionary person; advocate of reaction, esp. in politics: Also Now Rare reactionist …   English World dictionary

  • Reactionary — Re*ac tion*a*ry, n.; pl. {Reactionaries} ( r[i^]z). One who favors reaction, or seeks to undo political progress or revolution. [1913 Webster] …   The Collaborative International Dictionary of English

  • reactionary — [[t]riæ̱kʃənri, AM neri[/t]] reactionaries ADJ GRADED (disapproval) A reactionary person or group tries to prevent changes in the political or social system of their country. It grew ever more clear to everyone that the Minister was too… …   English dictionary

  • reactionary — UK [rɪˈækʃ(ə)n(ə)rɪ] / US [rɪˈækʃənˌerɪ] adjective strongly opposed to any social or political change reactionary views on the role of women Derived word: reactionary UK / US noun countable Word forms reactionary : singular reactionary plural… …   English dictionary

  • reactionary — A dictionary definition of reactionary is one who favors or inclines to reaction, an explanation that clarifies not at all. Reactionary is such an emotionally toned word that it is used to mean what the speaker or writer wishes it to mean and has …   Dictionary of problem words and expressions

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