insurrection

noun in·sur·rec·tion \ˌin(t)-sə-ˈrek-shən\

: a usually violent attempt to take control of a government

Full Definition of INSURRECTION

: an act or instance of revolting against civil authority or an established government

— in·sur·rec·tion·al \-shnəl, -shə-n^əl\ adjective

— in·sur·rec·tion·ary \-shə-ˌner-ē\ adjective or noun

— in·sur·rec·tion·ist \-sh(ə-)nist\ noun

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Origin of INSURRECTION

Middle English insureccion, from Anglo-French, from Late Latin insurrection-, insurrectio, from insurgere

First Known Use: 15th century

Related to INSURRECTION

Synonyms: insurgence, insurgency, rebellion, mutiny, outbreak, revolt, revolution, rising, uprising

Synonym Discussion of INSURRECTION

rebellion, revolution, uprising, revolt, insurrection, mutiny mean an outbreak against authority. rebellion implies an open formidable resistance that is often unsuccessful <open rebellion against the officers>. revolution applies to a successful rebellion resulting in a major change (as in government) <a political revolution that toppled the monarchy>. uprising implies a brief, limited, and often immediately ineffective rebellion <quickly put down the uprising>. revolt and insurrection imply an armed uprising that quickly fails or succeeds <a revolt by the Young Turks that surprised party leaders> <an insurrection of oppressed laborers>. mutiny applies to group insubordination or insurrection especially against naval authority <a mutiny led by the ship's cook>.

INSURRECTIONARY Defined for Kids