anti-reform
UK[ˌænti rɪˈfɔːm]US[ˌænti rɪˈfɔːrm]
adj
Opposed to or against reform, especially social or political reform.
Morpheme Breakdown
anti
reform
anti
against
reform
change
Etymology
The word is a modern English compound formed by directly combining the Greek-derived prefix "anti-" with the Latin-derived noun "reform." The prefix "anti-" originates from the Greek preposition 'anti,' meaning "against" or "opposite," a concept with Proto-Indo-European roots relating to frontality and opposition. "Reform" stems from the Latin 'reformare,' from 're-' (again) and 'formare' (to shape), implying a reshaping or amendment of an existing system. Therefore, "anti-reform" logically constructs its meaning as opposition to such change, typically used in political discourse to describe individuals or policies resistant to amendments in laws, institutions, or social structures.
Analysis
Structure: anti (against) + reform (change)
anti: From Greek, via Latin and French. A prefix meaning "against," "opposite of," or "preventative of."
reform: From Latin, via French. A noun/verb root; from Latin 'reformare' (to form again, change). In this compound, it functions as the object of opposition.
Examples
The anti-reform faction within the party blocked the proposed legislation.
His speeches took on an increasingly anti-reform tone as the election approached.
The movement was criticized for being purely anti-reform without offering constructive alternatives.