ENGLISH
REFERENCE

mutiny

n. C / U
C1 Advanced US //ˈmjutəni// UK //mjˈuːtɪni// mutiny

n. an occasion when a group of people, like soldiers or sailors, refuse to obey their leader. It usually involves trying to take control of the ship or organization.

n. an open rebellion against constituted authority, especially by soldiers or sailors against their officers.


SIMPLE

The sailors planned a mutiny against their cruel captain.

CONTEXTUAL

The crew's growing anger over the lack of food eventually led to a full-scale mutiny in the middle of the ocean.

COMPLEX

Historical accounts of the mutiny suggest that the uprising was not merely a reaction to harsh discipline, but a calculated attempt to seize the vessel for piracy.

Origin

From Middle French mutiner.

Usage

Often functions as an uncountable concept in general discussion, but becomes countable when referring to specific historical incidents.

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