counterrevolutionary

[ koun-ter-rev-uh-loo-shuh-ner-ee ]

adjective

1. characteristic of or resulting from a counterrevolution.
2. opposing a revolution or revolutionary government.

noun

, plural coun·ter·rev·o·lu·tion·ar·ies.

1. Also coun·ter·rev·o·lu·tion·ist [] a person who advocates or engages in a counterrevolution.

Word History and Origins

Origin of counterrevolutionary¹

First recorded in 1790–1800; counterrevolution + -ary

Example Sentences

At the time, the United States was supporting a group known as the Contras, a counterrevolutionary force that sought to overthrow Nicaragua’s left-wing Sandinista government.

From New York Times

“He has been called a counterrevolutionary by counterrevolutionaries,” Mr. Niehaus said, adding that the A.N.C.’s current leaders “are those who sold out our liberation struggle. This is the last kick of a dying horse.”

From New York Times

His younger brother called his win “the crystallization of counterrevolutionary impulses” and often referred to James as “the sainted junior senator from New York.”

From Seattle Times

Then, after the Communist takeover, officials began to attack religion as counterrevolutionary, especially during the 1966-1976 period of political upheaval known as the Cultural Revolution.

From New York Times

As many Americans debated and eventually soured on the Vietnam War, some scholars began to question whether the United States had become a counterrevolutionary power committed to the defense of a global status quo.

From New York Times

Related Words

• archconservative
• regressive
• rightist
• ultraconservative