Definition

1. Noun:
   • A revolutionary whose aim is to reverse the changes introduced by an earlier revolution: A person who actively works to overthrow or dismantle a government, political system, or social order that was established by a previous revolution, seeking to restore a previous regime or implement a different system.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • After the king was deposed, a group of counterrevolutionists plotted to restore the monarchy.
  • The new government arrested several suspected counterrevolutionists who were distributing anti-regime pamphlets.

Advanced Usage

• The term often carries a strong political and historical connotation, implying active, organized opposition to a revolutionary government.
  • Historians debate whether the rebels were freedom fighters or merely counterrevolutionists.
• It can be used attributively (like an adjective) to describe related concepts.
  • The regime faced a significant counterrevolutionist threat from exiled groups.

Variants and Related Words

• Counterrevolution (n): The movement or action itself aimed at reversing a revolution.
  • The country was torn apart by revolution and counterrevolution.
• Counterrevolutionary (adj/n): Functioning as both an adjective (e.g., ) and a noun with a meaning very similar to "counterrevolutionist."
  • He was accused of being a counterrevolutionary.

Synonyms

• Reactionary: A person who opposes political or social liberalization or reform, seeking a return to a past state.
• Anti-revolutionary: A more general term for someone opposed to revolution.

Antonyms

• Revolutionary: A person who works for or engages in political revolution.
• Radical: A person who advocates thorough or complete political or social reform.

Noun

1. a revolutionary whose aim is to reverse the changes introduced by an earlier revolution