reactionary

adj. opposing political or social progress and wanting to return to the way things were in the past.

adj. characterised by opposition to political or social liberalisation or reform; seeking a return to a previous state of affairs.

“The politician's reactionary views on education made him unpopular with younger voters.”

“The regime adopted increasingly reactionary policies in an attempt to suppress the growing demand for democratic reforms among the urban population.”

Formal

n. a person who strongly opposes social or political change.

n. a person who holds extremely conservative political views and opposes social progress.

“He was described as a reactionary who hated any kind of modern technology.”

“Historians often describe the group not merely as conservatives, but as reactionaries who sought to dismantle the entire post-war social contract.”

Formal

adj. related to or causing a chemical reaction.

adj. pertaining to, participating in, or inducing a chemical reaction.

“The scientist studied the reactionary properties of the two gases when mixed.”

“The reactionary potential of the compound was significantly heightened by the introduction of a catalyst under high-pressure conditions.”

Technical

adj. happening as a direct result of something else.

adj. occurring in response to a stimulus or as a result of a previous action.

“The company's reactionary measures were taken only after the scandal became public.”

“The board's decision was purely reactionary, failing to address the underlying systemic issues that had caused the initial crisis.”

Formal