rebellion
- 01 B2 Upper Intermediate
an organized, often violent attempt by a group of people to change their government or leader.
an act of armed resistance or an organized uprising intended to overthrow an established government or ruler.
Simple“The army quickly moved to stop the rebellion in the northern provinces.”
In context“The historical records suggest the rebellion was fueled more by economic desperation than by a coherent political ideology.”
Usageoften used with the preposition 'against'
SynonymsAntonyms - 02 B2 Upper Intermediate
refusing to follow rules or do what people in power tell you to do.
the action or process of defying authority, control, or social convention.
Simple“Teenagers often show their rebellion by wearing clothes that their parents dislike.”
In context“Her refusal to follow the corporate dress code was seen as a small act of rebellion against the company's rigid culture.”
Usageuncountable when referring to the general spirit of defiance
SynonymsAntonyms
“From the Americans’ point of view, it was one thing for the British to try to put down a rebellion by their own colonists.”
“The group mounted the Irish Rebellion of 1798 , fighting back against British rule.”
From Middle English rebellioun, rebellion, from Old French rebellion, from Latin rebelliō. Equivalent for rebel + -ion.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.