rebel

[ noun adjective reb-uhl; verb ri-bel ]

noun

1. a person who refuses allegiance to, resists, or rises in arms against the government or ruler of their country.

   Synonyms: insurrectionist, insurgent, traitor, mutineer

2. a person who resists any authority, control, or tradition.

adjective

1. rebellious; defiant.

   Synonyms: mutinous, insurgent

2. of or relating to rebels.

verb (used without object)

, re·bel, re·belled, re·bel·ling.

1. to reject, resist, or rise in arms against one's government or ruler.

   Synonyms: mutiny, revolt

2. to resist or rise against some authority, control, or tradition.
3. to show or feel utter repugnance:

   His very soul rebelled at spanking the child.

rebel

verb

1. to resist or rise up against a government or other authority, esp by force of arms
2. to dissent from an accepted moral code or convention of behaviour, dress, etc
3. to show repugnance (towards)

noun

1. 1. a person who rebels
   2. ( as modifier )

      a rebel leader

      a rebel soldier

2. a person who dissents from some accepted moral code or convention of behaviour, dress, etc

Derived Forms

• ˈrebeldom, noun

Other Words From

• rebel·like adjective
• non·rebel noun adjective
• pro·rebel adjective
• semi·rebel noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of rebel¹

First recorded in 1250–1300; Middle English adjective rebel(e), from Old French rebelle, from Latin rebellis “renewing a war,” equivalent to re- re- + bell(um) “war” + -is adjective suffix; Middle English verb rebelle(n), from Old French rebeller and Latin rebellāre; noun derivative of the adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of rebel¹

C13: from Old French rebelle , from Latin rebellis insurgent, from re- + bellum war

Example Sentences

Rebels have launched a major offensive against the government in Syria, seizing cities in a lightning advance that has expanded the territory under their control.

From BBC

Rebel forces have launched their largest offensive against the Syrian government in years.

From BBC

Rebel forces launched the largest offensive against the Syrian government in years on Wednesday.

From BBC

Rebel forces have entered parts of Syria's second-largest city, Aleppo, a monitoring group says, in the biggest offensive against the government in years.

From BBC

But as they involve characters talking about revolution — once again, it’s the Rebels vs. the Empire — they don’t exactly lighten it.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• guerrilla
• insurgent
• opponent
• rioter
• secessionist
• separatist