counter-revolution

Definition

1. Noun:
   • Political opposition to a revolution: "counter-revolution" refers to a movement or action aimed at reversing the outcomes of a previous revolution, typically to restore the former political system or social order.
   • A specific event or uprising: It can also denote an organized attempt to overthrow a revolutionary government or regime.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The government feared a counter-revolution from loyalists of the old regime. (A political movement seeking to undo the revolution.)
  • The counter-revolution was quickly suppressed by the new authorities. (An organized uprising against the revolutionary government.)

Advanced Usage

• "to stage a counter-revolution": to plan and execute an attempt to reverse a revolution.

  • The exiled nobles attempted to stage a counter-revolution with foreign support. (They tried to overthrow the revolutionary government.)

• "counter-revolutionary forces": groups or individuals actively opposing a revolution.

  • Counter-revolutionary forces were accused of sabotage and espionage. (Groups working to undermine the revolution.)

Variants and Related Words

• Counter-revolutionary (adj): opposing or seeking to reverse a revolution.

  • The counter-revolutionary propaganda was banned by the new regime. (Material that encourages opposition to the revolution.)

• Counter-revolutionary (n): a person who supports or participates in a counter-revolution.

  • Many counter-revolutionaries were arrested after the failed uprising. (People who tried to reverse the revolution.)

Synonyms

• Reaction: a political movement toward restoring a previous state of affairs.
• Restoration: the act of bringing back a former system or government.
• Putsch: a sudden, violent attempt to overthrow a government (often used for a counter-revolution).

Related Idioms

• Turn back the clock: to attempt to return to an earlier, often outdated, political or social condition.

  • The counter-revolution aimed to turn back the clock to the monarchy. (Restore the old order.)

• Roll back the gains: to reverse the achievements of a revolution.

  • The counter-revolution sought to roll back the gains of the workers' movement. (Undo the progress made.)