noun

counterrevolution

kown-ter-rev-uh-LOO-shuhn

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Counterrevolution (noun) means a revolution or organised movement that seeks to undo the political or social changes brought about by an earlier revolution. Example: “Exiled generals plotted a counterrevolution to restore the old monarchy.”

noun

A revolution or organised movement that seeks to undo the political or social changes brought about by an earlier revolution.

"Exiled generals plotted a counterrevolution to restore the old monarchy."

"Historians still debate whether the coup was a genuine counterrevolution or simply a power grab."

"The new government feared a counterrevolution led by supporters of the ousted regime."

How to use counterrevolution

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishA pushback movement that tries to undo an earlier revolution.

When to use it

It belongs mainly to history and political writing rather than everyday speech.

Memory tip

Notice the prefix counter- always signals 'against', which is the key to remembering the meaning.

Trace the full origin ↓

Easily confused with

revolution →

Common pairings

threat of counterrevolution launch a counterrevolution fear of counterrevolution counterrevolution against the regime

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C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

Test yourself on “counterrevolution” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage →

Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

Exiled generals plotted a _____ to restore the old monarchy.

Etymology

Counterrevolution is built from the prefix counter-, meaning against or in opposition, joined to the word revolution.

Origin: English

Antonyms

revolution

Related words

revolution evolution lap orbit rotation rebellion revolve paradigm shift

Rhymes for counterrevolution

region ablation allusion emulsion ideation novation diffusion elocution extension oxidation perfusion selection

See all rhymes for counterrevolution →

Frequently asked questions

What does counterrevolution mean?

It means a revolution that tries to reverse the changes made by an earlier revolution, often to bring back the old order.

Is counterrevolution one word or hyphenated?

It can be written as one word, counterrevolution, or hyphenated as counter-revolution; both forms are used.

What is the opposite of a counterrevolution?

Its opposite is simply a revolution, the original uprising that the counterrevolution is reacting against.

What is the meaning of counterrevolution?

"counterrevolution" (noun) means a revolution or organised movement that seeks to undo the political or social changes brought about by an earlier revolution.

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revolution evolution lap orbit rotation rebellion revolve paradigm shift