Reactionary vs. Reactive — What's the Difference?

In political science, a reactionary or reactionist is a person or entity holding political views that favor a return to a previous political state of society that they believe possessed positive characteristics that are absent in contemporary society. As an adjective, the word reactionary describes points of view and policies meant to restore a past status quo.

Tending to be responsive or to react to a stimulus.

Characterized by reaction, especially opposition to progress or liberalism; extremely conservative

Characterized by reaction.

An opponent of progress or liberalism; an extreme conservative.

Chemistry & Physics Tending to participate readily in reactions.

(politics) Favoring a return to an alleged golden age of the past; anti-progressive.

That reacts or responds to a stimulus

(chemistry) Of, pertaining to, participating in, or inducing a chemical reaction.

(chemistry) that readily takes part in reactions

(politics) One who is opposed to progress and change and wants to reverse it, wishing for a return to an alleged, mythical golden age of the past.

(electronics) Characterized by induction or capacitance rather than resistance.

In reaction to; as a result of.

Reacting to the past rather than anticipating the future, not predictive.

Being, causing, or favoring reaction; as, reactionary movements.

Having power to react; tending to reaction; of the nature of reaction.

One who favors reaction, or seeks to undo political progress or revolution.

Participating readily in reactions;

An extreme conservative; an opponent of progress or liberalism

Tending to react to a stimulus;

Extremely conservative