Reactionary (adjective)

1. Opposing or wishing to reverse progress, liberalization, or reform, especially social or political reform.
2. Favoring a return to an earlier and/or less progressive or liberal state of affairs.

Origin:

From french réactionnaire, from réaction + -aire, from réaction ("reaction"), from réagir ("to react"), from latin re- ("again") + agere ("to do, to act").

Examples:

1. The reactionary government rolled back many of the progressive laws passed by the previous administration.
2. The reactionary policies of the ruling party sparked widespread protests and civil unrest.
3. Many saw the candidate as a dangerous and divisive reactionary figure.
4. The reactionary forces within the church opposed the modernization and liberalization of doctrine.
5. The businessman's views on social issues were widely criticized as reactionary and out of touch.