counterrevolutionaries

Definition

Plural noun referring to individuals or groups actively opposed to revolutionary movements or who seek to overturn revolutionary governments and restore previous political systems. They work against the goals and methods of revolutionaries.

Example Usage

The regime labeled all dissenters as counterrevolutionaries to justify their suppression.

Origin

counter- (Latin: against) + revolutionary (revolverе, to turn back + -ary, pertaining to)

Fun Fact

The term became heavily used during the Russian Revolution and Chinese Revolution to describe internal and external opposition forces.

Source: Definition backfill (hailey)

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