Regressive is a term used to describe a process or action that is moving BACKWARD or in the opposite direction. The term can be broken down into four words: reversed, REARWARD, REACTIONARY, and BACKWARD. Reversed means to turn around or to move in the opposite direction. REARWARD means to move or look back. REACTIONARY means to oppose progress or reform. Finally, BACKWARD means to move in the opposite direction of forward. All of these words are related to the term regressive and describe a process or action that is moving in the opposite direction.