# insurgent

/ˌɪnˈsɝdʒənt/ (US) · /ɪnsˈɜːdʒənt/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/insurgent
Updated: 2026-08-27

## Senses

### 1. a rebel fighter

noun · CEFR C1 · Formal

a person who fights against the government or the army in their own country.

For teachers: a person who takes part in an armed rebellion against a constituted authority or established government.

- The government forces struggled to control the remote areas held by the insurgent group.
- Military analysts noted that the insurgent forces were increasingly utilizing guerrilla tactics to disrupt the supply lines of the regular army.

### 2. rebellious

adjective · CEFR C1 · Formal · Academic

acting against the people in power or the government.

For teachers: rising in active revolt against an established government or leader.

- The insurgent soldiers refused to follow the new laws passed by the capital.
- The insurgent movement gained momentum as local populations became disillusioned with the central government's economic policies.

### 3. rushing water

adjective · CEFR C2 · Literary

describes water that is rising or rushing in strongly.

For teachers: describing water that is surging or rushing in; typically used in a literal, physical sense.

- The insurgent tide quickly covered the rocks on the beach.
- The coastal defenses were breached by the insurgent waves during the height of the autumn storm.

Usage: Usually placed before the noun it modifies.

## Examples

- The insurgent group attacked the government base.
- After years of civil unrest, the insurgents gained control of several key cities in the northern province.
- Military analysts noted that the insurgents relied on their deep knowledge of the local terrain to evade capture by the more heavily armed government forces.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.