counterreform

noun

coun·​ter·​re·​form ˈkau̇n-tər-ri-ˌfȯrm How to pronounce counterreform (audio)
variants or counter-reform
plural counterreforms or counter-reforms
: a reform that counters or reverses a previous reform
The counterreform … seems bent upon a return to a more traditional curriculum.E. D. Hirsch, Jr.
counterreformer noun
or counter-reformer
plural counterreformers or counter-reformers
The same sentiments are later found in his activities as a counterreformer. Olaus believed that Protestants should … be won back to the Church … Marianna D. Birnbaum

Word History

First Known Use

1831, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of counterreform was in 1831

Cite this Entry

“Counterreform.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/counterreform. Accessed 3 Mar. 2025.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!