Home › Student Life & Schooling › School Social Dynamics › rebellion

rebellion

ri-BEL-yun /rɪˈbɛliən/

nounC1GRESAT

formalneutral

An act of open, organized, and often armed resistance to an established government or ruler; or, resistance to any authority, control, or tradition.

Can range from a large-scale armed uprising to a personal act of defiance against social norms. It implies a conscious choice to go against the prevailing order.

The story behind the word. The word 'rebellion' marches straight out of Latin. It comes from 'rebellio,' which literally meant 'a renewal of war.' This was formed from 're-' (meaning 'again' or 'back') and 'bellum' (meaning 'war'). So, a rebellion was originally seen as a resumption of hostilities by a defeated party. Over time, it broadened to mean any open resistance to authority, whether a government, a parent, or even social norms.

Word relationships

insurrection: A violent uprising against an authority or government.
mutiny: An open rebellion against the proper authorities, especially by soldiers or sailors against their officers.
defiance: Open resistance; bold disobedience.

obedience: Compliance with an order, request, or law or submission to another's authority.
conformity: Behavior in accordance with socially accepted conventions or standards.
allegiance: Loyalty or commitment of a subordinate to a superior or of an individual to a group or cause.

Commonly confused with

protest: 'Protest' is an expression of disapproval, often peaceful; 'rebellion' is a more active, often organized, and sometimes violent resistance to authority.

Word family

rebel (verb): To resist authority, control, or convention.
rebel (noun): A person who rises in opposition or armed resistance against an established government or ruler.
rebellious (adjective): Showing a desire to resist authority, control, or convention.

Collocations

armed rebellion
student rebellion
act of rebellion
spark a rebellion
suppress a rebellion

Example sentences

"The American Revolution was a rebellion against British rule, leading to the formation of a new nation." In a historical context.
"Teenage rebellion is often a natural part of developing an independent identity." Describing adolescent behavior.
"The protagonist's quiet rebellion against societal expectations made her a compelling character." In a literary analysis.

Memory hook

Think of 're-bell' (like a bell ringing again) to signal a renewed 'war' or resistance. Re-bell war

When not to use

Do not use 'rebellion' for minor disagreements or simple acts of disobedience that lack a broader challenge to authority or established norms.

Fun facts

The word 'bellicose,' meaning 'demonstrating aggression and willingness to fight,' also shares the Latin root 'bellum' (war).

Related words

conformity, peer pressure

Explore more words

insurgency, insurrection, revolt, mutiny, insurrectionist, riot