insurgence

American  

[in-sur-juhns] / ɪnˈsɜr dʒəns /

noun

1. an act of rebellion; insurrection; revolt.

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insurgence British  

/ ɪnˈsɜːdʒəns /

noun

1. rebellion, uprising, or riot

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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

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

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

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