Reactionism

Part of speech: noun

Definitions

1. A belief system that emphasizes a return to outdated beliefs and societal structures in opposition to modern advancements
2. An ideological framework advocating for the reinstatement of previous political or cultural norms as a reaction against change
3. A political or social stance that resists current reforms by promoting the revival of former systems or traditions

Etymology: "Reactionism" is a plain English compound: "reaction" with the suffix "-ism" added. The suffix comes down through Latin from the Ancient Greek "-ismos" and "-izein", which formed nouns for doctrines, systems and practices, and English took it up in great numbers. "Reaction" itself, from Latin "reactio" and ultimately from "re-" plus "agere" ("to act"), originally meant a response or counter-action. Its political sense, opposition to change or a return to earlier conditions, came later, and the -ism form simply names that attitude as a doctrine.