Insurrection

Definition

The noun "insurrection" refers to (1) an act or instance of open revolt against civil authority or government; (2) a violent uprising or rebellion; and (3) (legal) the offense of inciting or engaging in rebellion against lawful authority.

Parts of Speech

• Noun

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA: /ˌɪn.səˈrɛk.ʃən/
• Respelling: IN-suh-REK-shuhn

British English

• IPA: /ˌɪn.səˈrɛk.ʃ(ə)n/
• Respelling: in-suh-REK-shuhn

Etymology

From Latin insurrectio “a rising up,” from insurgere “to rise up” (in- “against” + surgere “to rise”). Entered English in the early 16th century.

Derivatives

• Insurrectionist (noun)
• Insurrectionary (adjective)
• Insurgent (noun/adjective)
• Insurgence (noun)

Synonyms

• Uprising
• Revolt
• Rebellion
• Insurgence

Antonyms

• Obedience
• Submission
• Compliance
• Loyalty

Usage

"Insurrection" appears in historical, political, and legal contexts. Examples: "The government declared martial law to suppress the insurrection," and "He was charged with treason and insurrection."

Related Terms

• Rebellion: Resistance against authority.
• Revolt: A forcible uprising.
• Coup: A sudden overthrow of government.
• Mutiny: Rebellion by subordinates against authority.
• Revolution: A fundamental change in political power.

Detailed Definitions

Noun

• A violent uprising against civil authority or government: A mass movement using force to challenge power.
  • Example: "The city was engulfed in chaos during the insurrection."
• An act or instance of rebelling: The organized act of revolt or defiance.
  • Example: "The peasants’ insurrection was quelled within days."
• (Legal) The crime of inciting or engaging in rebellion against lawful authority: A punishable offense under treason or sedition laws.
  • Example: "He faced charges of insurrection and sedition."