anti-liberal
|an-ti-lib-er-al|
🇺🇸
/ˌæn.tiˈlɪb.ə.rəl/
🇬🇧
/ˌæn.tiˈlɪb(ə)r.əl/
against liberalism
Etymology
'anti-liberal' is a compound formed from the prefix 'anti-' (from Greek 'anti' meaning 'against, opposite') and 'liberal' (from Latin 'liberalis' related to 'liber' meaning 'free').
'liberal' entered English via Old French 'liberal' from Latin 'liberalis'; the prefix 'anti-' (Greek) has been used in English compounds since the early modern period. The compound 'anti-liberal' arose in English as political discourse developed in the 19th–20th centuries to describe opposition to liberalism.
Initially the elements meant 'against' + 'of or relating to freedom/being generous'; over time the compound came to mean specifically 'opposed to the political or social ideology called liberalism.'
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
a person who is opposed to liberalism or liberal policies; an opponent of liberal ideas.
He was labeled an anti-liberal after publicly attacking the reforms.
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Adjective 1
opposed to liberalism, liberal policies, or liberal ideas; hostile to political or social liberalism.
The group's anti-liberal stance shaped its policy proposals.
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Last updated: 2025/11/02 10:14