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.
Despite what felt like an Anglo insurgence this year, we don’t get to watch everything someone would see in the U.K.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Nov. 24, 2025
There was concern from other African nations that France's Mali withdrawal could exacerbate the jihadist insurgence in the area.
From BBC ● Sep. 28, 2022
“The level of military support” for a Ukrainian insurgence, Admiral Stavridis said, “would make our efforts in Afghanistan against the Soviet Union look puny by comparison.”
From New York Times ● Jan. 14, 2022
On Christmas Eve, our community experienced an insurgence of fireworks.
From Washington Post ● Dec. 29, 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.
