insurgence
Americannoun
noun
Etymology
Origin of insurgence
First recorded in 1840–50; insurg(ent) + -ence
Explanation
When a group of rebels rises up in an effort to overthrow a government, it can be called an insurgence. Most acts of insurgence are unlawful and violent. The term insurgence, used interchangeably with insurgency, implies the use of violence by a small combative group against a lawfully elected government. Because of this negative, violent connotation, a government will sometimes describe a justified rebellion as an insurgence in order to turn public opinion against the rebels. The Latin root, insurgere, means "rise up" or "gather force."
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
They were ousted by the US after the 9/11 attacks but their insurgence continued to target America's troops and their allies.
From BBC ● Jul. 31, 2023
In these more clandestine spaces, I hear flashes of insurgence, a way to refuse the fictions we’ve been fed about reggaeton.
From New York Times ● Dec. 22, 2021
"Modular kitchens highlight smart shelves, space-saving features, and maximized corners. Additionally, we may see an insurgence of kitchen nooks, as they are a cozy work-from-home option."
From Salon ● Sep. 24, 2021
Removed from its oceanic heat source, Fred was losing steam, having evolved in a lopsided tropical cyclone due to an insurgence of dry air.
From Washington Post ● Aug. 17, 2021
Ironically, the greatest triumph for both protagonists was the time they were forced to cooperate during the goblin insurgence.
From "Artemis Fowl" by Eoin Colfer
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
