reactionary; reaction
Meanings
2 senses · 8 examplesadjective
reactionary; opposing progress and revolution
formalDescribes a political stance, ideology, or force that opposes revolutionary change and seeks to preserve old systems. Often used in historical and political contexts.
He was considered a representative of the reactionary class.
This kind of thinking is very reactionary.
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Reactionary forces in history were eventually overthrown.
That article was criticized as reactionary speech.
noun
reaction; opposite effect; counter-action
formalUsed in historical, philosophical, or dialectical contexts to describe a movement, force, or effect that acts in opposition to another. Often appears in discussions of historical materialism.
From a historical perspective, Party stereotyped writing is a reaction against the May Fourth Movement.
This restorationist behavior is a reaction against history.
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His views represent a reaction against the Enlightenment.
This trend of thought can be seen as a reaction against modernism.