uprising

American  

[uhp-rahy-zing, uhp-rahy-zing] / ˈʌpˌraɪ zɪŋ, ʌpˈraɪ zɪŋ /

noun

1. an insurrection or revolt.

   Synonyms:

   rebellion

2. an act of rising up.

3. an ascent or acclivity.

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uprising British  

/ ˈʌpˌraɪzɪŋ, ʌpˈraɪzɪŋ /

noun

1. a revolt or rebellion

2. archaic an ascent

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Etymology

Origin of uprising

Middle English word dating back to 1200–50; see origin at up-, rising

Explanation

An organized rebellion, especially against an authority or government — is an uprising. If your entire math class joined together in rebellion against your teacher's unfair grading practices, you could call it an uprising. The word uprising is most often used to describe a political revolt, often a violent insurrection against the established rule, but its original meaning was very different. In the thirteenth century, an uprising was a resurrection, or "the action of rising from the grave," and soon after that it meant "an action of rising from the bed." It wasn't until the late 1500's that it came to mean "revolt."

Example Sentences

Some in the AI field have long talked privately about the potential social uprising that could occur around the technology, especially given the potential power it has to reshape our lives.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 18, 2026

He likened their electoral victory to the Hungarian revolution of 1848, and the uprising against Soviet occupation in 1956.

From BBC • Apr. 12, 2026

The youth-led uprising in September began in Kathmandu and was triggered by a brief social media ban.

From Barron's • Apr. 9, 2026

The Yellow Vests were an autonomous uprising, not supported by any unions or political parties.

From Salon • Mar. 28, 2026

The night of my engagement, the night Peeta fell to his knees and proclaimed his undying love for me in front of the cameras in the Capitol, was the night the uprising began.

From "Catching Fire" by Suzanne Collins

Related Words

• insurrection
• mutiny
• outbreak
• rebellion
• revolt
• revolution
• riot
• upheaval