sedition

[si-dish-uhn]

noun

1. incitement of discontent or rebellion against a government.

   Synonyms: mutiny, insurrection

2. any action, especially in speech or writing, promoting such discontent or rebellion.

3. Archaic.,  rebellious disorder.

sedition

/ sɪˈdɪʃən /

noun

1. speech or behaviour directed against the peace of a state

2. an offence that tends to undermine the authority of a state

3. an incitement to public disorder

4. archaic,  revolt

sedition

1. Acts that incite rebellion or civil disorder against an established government.

Other Word Forms

• antisedition adjective
• seditionary noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of sedition¹

First recorded in 1325–75; from Latin sēditiōn-, stem of sēditiō “rebellion, strife,” literally “a going apart,” from sēd- se- + itiō “a going” (from it(us) “gone,” past participle of īre “to go” + -iō -ion ); replacing Middle English sedicioun, from Anglo-French, from Latin, as above

Word History and Origins

Origin of sedition¹

C14: from Latin sēditiō discord, from sēd- apart + itiō a going, from īre to go

Synonym Study

See treason.

Example Sentences

Assad's supporters are being prosecuted for "sedition, incitement to civil war... attacks against law enforcement, murder, looting, and vandalism," according to the indictment.

Read more on Barron's

"There are harmful people around," she says, "they sow seeds of sedition. Probably they are not connected with the authorities or the state. I really don't know."

Read more on BBC

The music video quickly went viral on YouTube and authorities considered charging him with sedition, but did not proceed after he made a public apology and removed the clip.

Read more on BBC

Benjamin Franklin’s 1773 “Rules by Which a Great Empire May Be Reduced to a Small One” used irony to lampoon British policy, undermining authority while avoiding direct flouting of the era’s harsh sedition laws.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

In 2024 Hong Kong passed a domestic national security law known as Article 23, criminalising crimes such as sedition and treason.

Read more on BBC

Related Words

• insubordination 
• insurrection 
• mutiny 
• treason 

When To Use

What does sedition mean?

Sedition is the act of encouraging rebellion against the government, or an action that promotes such rebellion, such as through speech or writing.What’s the difference between treason and sedition? Treason typically refers to a direct action to overthrow or betray one’s government, whereas sedition usually falls short of direct action and instead involves the promotion of revolutionary or treasonous actions. Legally, sedition is typically considered a less serious offense than treason.Example: His statements amount to nothing less than sedition—he’s actively trying to incite a rebellion against the government.