counterrevolutionism

Definition

The ideology, movement, or practice of opposing a revolution or revolutionary changes, typically by those seeking to restore a previous political or social order. Counterrevolutionists actively resist revolutionary ideals and attempt to preserve or reinstate traditional systems.

Example Usage

The Restoration period in England represented a triumph of counterrevolutionism over the Cromwellian revolution.

Origin

Counter- (against) + revolution (French 'révolution') + -ism (belief system); used extensively in 20th-century political discourse

Fun Fact

In Cold War terminology, Western powers were sometimes accused of counterrevolutionism by Soviet rhetoric for opposing communist revolutions.

Source: Definition backfill (hailey)

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