reaction
reaction
(riækʃən )Word forms: plural reactions
1. variable noun
Your reaction to something that has happened or something that you have experienced is what you feel, say, or do because of it.
Reaction to the visit is mixed. [+ to]
The initial reaction of most participants is fear.
He was surprised that his answer should have caused such a strong reaction.
2. countable noun
A reaction against something is a way of behaving or doing something that is deliberately different from what has been done before.
All new fashion starts out as a reaction against existing convention. [+ against]
Her three years of freedom seemed like a reaction against that childhood.
counteraction, compensation, backlash, recoil, counterbalance, counterpoise3. singular noun
If there is a reaction against something, it becomes unpopular.
Premature moves in this respect might well provoke a reaction against the reform. [+ against]
The government response seems to be the result of strong public reaction against the police apathy.
4. plural noun [oft poss NOUN]
5. uncountable noun
[disapproval]
Thus, he aided reaction and thwarted progress.
...their victory against the forces of reaction and censorship.
conservatism, the right, the extreme right, counter-revolution, obscurantism6. countable noun
7. countable noun
If you have a reaction to a substance such as a drug, or to something you have touched, you are affected unpleasantly or made ill by it.
Every year, 5000 people have life-threatening reactions to anaesthetics. [+ to]
Common foods which cause this kind of reaction are fish, eggs, and shellfish.
sensitivity, condition, susceptibility, hypersensitivity, allergic effect