counterrevolution: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2Formal, Academic, Historical, Political
Quick answer
What does “counterrevolution” mean?
A revolution aimed at overthrowing a government that was established by a previous revolution, or a movement that seeks to reverse the political, social, or economic changes brought about by a revolution.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A revolution aimed at overthrowing a government that was established by a previous revolution, or a movement that seeks to reverse the political, social, or economic changes brought about by a revolution.
Any organized movement or effort to oppose and reverse a significant, transformative change within a society, institution, or field, even if not strictly political.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Primarily spelling: British English can hyphenate 'counter-revolution'; American English strongly prefers the closed compound 'counterrevolution'.
Connotations
Equally strong political connotations in both varieties. In UK historical context, may evoke 18th/19th century European events (e.g., against French Revolution). In US context, often evokes 20th century anti-communist movements (e.g., post-1950s Latin America).
Frequency
Low frequency in general discourse, but comparable frequency in political science and historical academic texts in both varieties.
Grammar
How to Use “counterrevolution” in a Sentence
[counterrevolution] against [revolution/regime][forces/groups] staged a [counterrevolution]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “counterrevolution” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The exiled nobility sought to counter-revolutionise the new republic.
American English
- The generals plotted to counterrevolutionize the socialist government.
adverb
British English
- (Extremely rare, typically not used)
American English
- (Extremely rare, typically not used)
adjective
British English
- Counter-revolutionary sentiment grew amongst the displaced elites.
American English
- The CIA was accused of supporting counterrevolutionary groups.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. Could metaphorically describe a management shift back to old practices after a failed modernisation.
Academic
Common in Political Science, History, Sociology. Used with precise historical reference.
Everyday
Very rare outside discussions of politics or history.
Technical
Specific term in revolutionary theory and historiography.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “counterrevolution”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “counterrevolution”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “counterrevolution”
- Misspelling as 'counter revolution' (two words) or 'counter-revolusion'. Confusing it with 'counterinsurgency' (which fights rebels, not a revolutionary government).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Not necessarily, but historically it often involves or threatens violence, as it typically seeks to displace a regime that itself may have come to power violently.
Yes, but it's metaphorical and relatively rare. It can describe a strong movement to reverse major changes in technology, culture, or business (e.g., 'a counterrevolution against digital music').
A coup is a sudden, illegal seizure of state power, often by a small group. A counterrevolution is a broader movement, which may include a coup, aimed specifically at reversing a previous revolution and its ideals.
The symbol 't̬' represents a 'flap T' or 'tap', which sounds like a quick 'd' sound, as in the middle of the American word 'water' or 'butter'.
A revolution aimed at overthrowing a government that was established by a previous revolution, or a movement that seeks to reverse the political, social, or economic changes brought about by a revolution.
Counterrevolution is usually formal, academic, historical, political in register.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “The Thermidorian Reaction (historical example of a counterrevolution)”
- “The pendulum swings back”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: COUNTER = against, REVOLUTION = an overthrow. So, an overthrow *against* a previous overthrow.
Conceptual Metaphor
POLITICAL CHANGE IS A CIRCULAR MOTION (a swing back), HISTORY IS A PENDULUM.
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following is the closest synonym for 'counterrevolution' in a political context?