Noun: reactionary ree'ak-shu,ne-ree [N. Amer], ree'ak-shu-n(u-)ree [Brit]
- An extreme conservative; an opponent of progress or liberalism
"The reactionary politician opposed any form of social welfare";
- ultraconservative, extreme right-winger
- Opposed to political or social liberalism or reform
"The reactionary party resisted any changes to the existing system";
- reactionist, far-right
Derived forms: reactionaries
See also: right
Type of: conservative, conservativist
Encyclopedia: Reactionary