What does reactionism mean?
Reactionism denotes an outlook or set of attitudes opposed to political, social, cultural, or intellectual change. It commonly refers to efforts to preserve, revive, or return to an earlier social or political order, especially when those efforts resist reform, democratization, or modernization. The word is often used critically, suggesting inflexibility, hostility to progress, or a preference for inherited authority. In political discussion, reactionism may describe both formal movements and broader conservative impulses, such as resistance to civil-rights reforms, changes in gender roles, or new scientific and educational ideas. Its connotations therefore depend on context: historians may use it analytically, while contemporary commentators often employ it as a dismissive label. Although related to conservatism and traditionalism, reactionism usually implies active resistance to change rather than simply a preference for continuity. The term is most often encountered in political, historical, and cultural criticism.
nounReactionism is a political or cultural outlook that opposes social, political, or intellectual change, especially in favor of preserving or restoring an earlier order. The term is often critical of resistance to reform or progress.
- A political or cultural stance characterized by opposition to change and preference for preserving or restoring an earlier order.
"The speech was criticized as an appeal to reactionism rather than a serious response to the proposed reforms."
"The historian examined how economic hardship encouraged reactionism in the period after the war."
"Rather than dismissing the movement as mere reactionism, the author considered the fears and interests that had sustained it."
The plural is grammatically possible but uncommon in normal usage; singular constructions usually refer to a broader movement or tendency.
"The novel examines the different forms of reactionism that followed the revolution."
Reactionism names the force that looks backward while presenting itself as a defense of tradition.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does reactionism come from?
The word was formed in English by combining reaction with the suffix -ism. Reaction itself comes through French from Latin reactio, a derivative of regere, meaning to rule or direct, while -ism ultimately derives from Greek -ismos, indicating an action, condition, or doctrine. The formation reactionism became established in the nineteenth century for political opposition to reform and liberal change, although the underlying idea is older.
Related word forms
How reactionism is actually used
The term is frequently evaluative and may carry a strongly critical or polemical tone. It is used most often for political or cultural opposition to reform, progress, or modernization.
Easily confused with reactionism
Reaction is a response to a particular event or stimulus, whereas reactionism is a broader outlook characterized by opposition to change.
Revolutionism seeks fundamental transformation, while reactionism generally seeks to resist change or restore a previous order.