counterreformation

[ koun-ter-ref-er-mey-shuhn ]

/ ˈkaʊn tərˌrɛf ərˈmeɪ ʃən /

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noun

a reformation opposed to or counteracting a previous reformation.

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His boss, whom he admires, is waiting to meet with him about the big project.

His boss, who he admires, is waiting to meet with him about the big project.

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Origin of counterreformation

1830–40; counter- + reformation, as translation of German Gegenreformation

Words nearby counterreformation

counterpropaganda, counterproposal, counterproposition, counterpunch, counterpurchase, counterreformation, counterreply, counterrevolution, counterrevolutionary, counterrotating, counterscarp

Other definitions for counterreformation (2 of 2)

Counter Reformation

noun

the movement within the Roman Catholic Church that followed the Protestant Reformation of the 16th century.

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

British Dictionary definitions for counterreformation

Counter-Reformation

/ (ˌkaʊntəˌrɛfəˈmeɪʃən) /

noun

the reform movement of the Roman Catholic Church in the 16th and early 17th centuries considered as a reaction to the Protestant Reformation

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Cultural definitions for counterreformation (1 of 2)

Counter Reformation

The reaction of the Roman Catholic Church to the Reformation. The chief aims of the Counter Reformation were to increase faith among church members, get rid of some of the abuses to which the leaders of the Reformation objected, and affirm some of the principles rejected by the Protestant churches, such as veneration of the saints and acceptance of the authority of the pope. Many Jesuits were leaders of the Counter Reformation.

Cultural definitions for counterreformation (2 of 2)

Counter Reformation

The reaction of the Roman Catholic Church to the Reformation. The chief aims of the Counter Reformation were to increase faith among church members, end many of the abuses to which the leaders of the Reformation objected, and affirm some of the principles rejected by the Protestant churches, such as veneration of the saints and acceptance of the authority of the pope. Many Jesuits were leaders of the Counter Reformation.