mutiny
An open rebellion against the proper authorities, especially by soldiers or sailors against their officers.
Mutiny is highly specific to structured, disciplined organizations like the military, navy, or a ship's crew. It involves a group of subordinates collectively refusing to obey their commanding officers.
Word relationships
- rebellion: Rebellion is a broad term for organized armed resistance to a government, while mutiny is specifically against military or shipboard officers.
- insurrection: An insurrection is a violent uprising against a government, whereas a mutiny is localized to a specific military unit or vessel.
- allegiance: Allegiance is loyalty and commitment to a subordinate group's leader or nation.
- subordination: Subordination is the state of being obedient or submissive to authority.
Commonly confused with
- riot: A riot is a chaotic, disorganized public disturbance, while a mutiny is a structured refusal of command within a disciplined group.
Word family
- mutineer (noun): A person who takes part in a mutiny.
- mutinous (adjective): Willfully disobedient to authority; rebellious.
Collocations
- stage a mutiny
- quell a mutiny
- incite mutiny
- mutiny on board
Example sentences
- "The crew of the Bounty did mutiny against their captain, casting him adrift in a small boat." A historical account of the famous rebellion at sea.
Memory hook
Think of 'mutiny' as 'mew-tiny'—even a tiny cat (mew) can scratch its owner if pushed too far. Mutiny is when the crew says 'no more' to the captain's chore.
When not to use
Do not use mutiny for general political uprisings or individual disobedience. A single person cannot commit a mutiny alone, and citizens do not mutiny against a president (they revolt).
Fun facts
- Under maritime law, mutiny is one of the few crimes that historically carried an immediate death penalty by hanging at sea.
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