rebellion

word

/ɹɪˈbɛɫjən/
ri-BEL-yuhn
/ɹɪbˈɛliən/
ri-BEL-yuhn

Definition

An act of organized resistance or defiance against an established authority, government, or convention. Can range from armed uprising to personal refusal to conform.

Usage & Nuances

Smaller in scale than a 'revolution' (which succeeds in changing the system). Common collocations: 'armed rebellion', 'teenage rebellion', 'crush/quell a rebellion', 'an act of rebellion'. Can be positive (fight against tyranny) or negative (senseless defiance). 'Rebel' is the noun for a person, 'rebellious' the adjective.

Example Sentences

The rebellion against the king lasted for two years.

basic

Teenage rebellion is a normal part of growing up.

basic

The government sent troops to crush the rebellion.

basic

Her decision to become an artist instead of a lawyer was an act of quiet rebellion against her family's expectations.

natural

The rebellion was sparked by rising taxes and a shortage of bread.

natural

In the Star Wars universe, the Rebellion fights to restore democracy to the galaxy.

natural