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Synonyms

rebellion

American  
[ri-bel-yuhn] / rɪˈbɛl yən /

noun

  1. open, organized, and armed resistance to one's government or ruler.

    Synonyms:
    sedition , mutiny
  2. resistance to or defiance of any authority, control, or tradition.

    Synonyms:
    disobedience , insubordination
  3. the act of rebelling.


rebellion British  
/ rɪˈbɛljən /

noun

  1. organized resistance or opposition to a government or other authority

  2. dissent from an accepted moral code or convention of behaviour, dress, etc

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Usage

What does rebellion mean? A rebellion is an attempt to overthrow a government—an organized revolution.It can also refer to a revolt against another form of authority. More generally, rebellion can refer to an action or behavior that resists or defies rules or norms or otherwise challenges the status quo.The verb rebel means to engage in rebellion. As a noun, rebel can refer to a revolutionary or to a person who is defiant or disobedient. Such a defiant person can be called rebellious, and the noun rebelliousness refers to such behavior. Rebellion can also refer to this, as in I went through a phase of teenage rebellion.Example: The rebellion is being led by a coalition of factions that all have the same goal—to topple the regime.

Other Word Forms

  • nonrebellion noun
  • prerebellion adjective
  • semirebellion noun
  • subrebellion noun

Etymology

Origin of rebellion

First recorded in 1300–50; Middle English rebellioun, from Old French, from Latin rebelliōn-, stem of rebelliō; equivalent to rebel + -ion

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.

He was found guilty of "conspiracy to commit rebellion" by the Supreme Court, which handed down the sentence at the same time as convicting him.

From BBC

That rebellion was crushed but demands for an independent state for the Igbo people of the region continued as some Igbos continue to feel that they are marginalised by the Nigerian state.

From BBC

The question carries a quiet kind of rebellion I especially savor this time of year: why cling to a tradition that no longer delights?

From Salon

Castillo was impeached and arrested on charges of rebellion, abuse of authority and serious disturbance of the public order within a matter of hours.

From Barron's

As the rebellions calmed towards the end of the year, the aftermath has been mixed for the young people who inspired them.

From Barron's