In political science, a reactionary or a reactionist is a person who holds political views that favor a return to the status quo ante—the previous political state of society—which the person believes possessed positive characteristics that are absent from contemporary society.

The meaning of REACTIONARY is relating to, marked by, or favoring reaction; especially : ultraconservative in politics.

REACTIONARY definition: 1. a person who is opposed to political or social change or new ideas: 2. opposed to political or…. Learn more.

REACTIONARY meaning: 1. a person who is opposed to political or social change or new ideas: 2. opposed to political or…. Learn more.

A reactionary or reactionist is a person or organization that is against social progress and wants society to return to the old way of doing things. The word reactionary comes from the word "reaction," which describes movement in the opposite direction.

A reactionary is someone who opposes reform or change, especially in the realm of politics. A reactionary is someone reacting (in horror) to what others consider to be progress.

REACTIONARY meaning: a person who is strongly opposed to new political or social ideas

REACTIONARY definition: of, relating to, or characterized by reaction , esp against radical political or social... | Meaning, pronunciation, translations and examples

There are three meanings listed in OED's entry for the word reactionary. See ‘Meaning & use’ for definitions, usage, and quotation evidence.

Learn all about the word "REACTIONARY" in English: definitions, translations, synonyms, pronunciations, examples, and grammar insights - all in one complete resource.