Definition

1. Noun:
   • Organized opposition to authority; a conflict in which one faction tries to wrest control from another: An act of violent or open resistance, typically by a group, against an established government or ruler.
   • Refusal to accept some authority or code or convention: A more general defiance of or resistance to any controlling force, tradition, or norm.

Usage and Examples

• Noun:
  • The government crushed the armed rebellion in the northern provinces.
  • The novel is about a teenage rebellion against societal expectations.
  • The tax policy sparked a popular rebellion among the citizens.

Advanced Usage

• "in rebellion": In a state of actively defying authority.
  • The colony was in open rebellion against the imperial power.
• "rebellion against": Used to specify the target of the defiance.
  • His art was an act of rebellion against traditional forms.

Variants and Related Words

• Rebel (noun/verb): A person who rebels; to rise in opposition.
  • She was a rebel who fought for independence.
  • The citizens began to rebel against the harsh laws.
• Rebellious (adjective): Characterized by or showing a desire to rebel.
  • He had a rebellious streak as a teenager.

Synonyms

• Revolt: An attempt to put an end to the authority of a person or body by rebelling.
• Insurrection: A violent uprising against an authority or government.
• Uprising: An act of resistance or rebellion; a revolt.
• Defiance: Open resistance; bold disobedience.

Antonyms

• Obedience: Compliance with an order, request, or law.
• Submission: The action of accepting or yielding to a superior force.
• Allegiance: Loyalty or commitment to a superior or to a group or cause.

Related Phrases and Idioms

• "A rebellion in the ranks": Dissent or disobedience within a group, organization, or army.
  • The new policy caused a rebellion in the ranks of the party members.
• "To stir up rebellion": To incite or provoke people to rebel.
  • The speech was seen as an attempt to stir up rebellion.

Noun

1. organized opposition to authority; a conflict in which one faction tries to wrest control from another
2. refusal to accept some authority or code or convention
   • each generation must have its own rebellion
   • his body was in rebellion against fatigue