rebellion
B2Pronunciation
UK
- /rɪbˈɛliən/
US
- /rɪˈbɛljən/
Description
- resistance
- defiance
- uprising
- revolt
- armed opposition
Rebellion is more than simple rule-breaking; it is a strong act of resistance against authority or control. Think of people rising up against a government, a ruler, or another power they believe is unfair. It can be open and violent, like an armed uprising, or quieter, like refusing to obey laws or orders seen as wrong. The word often suggests a serious challenge to the way things are and a wish for change. Sometimes it describes a large public revolt, and sometimes it describes a person who keeps pushing back against strict control.
Imagine a world where everything is dictated by someone else—what you can say, how you can live, and what you can believe. Rebellion is the force that pushes back against such control. It is more than just a disagreement; it is open defiance of authority, often involving active resistance and a deep-seated desire for change.
Historically, rebellion has shaped nations. From Spartacus leading an army of escaped slaves against Rome to the French Revolution overthrowing the monarchy, rebellions have been pivotal moments in human history. While these are large-scale uprisings, rebellion can also be smaller and more personal. A student refusing to conform to restrictive school rules or an artist challenging societal norms through their work—these, too, are forms of rebellion.
The word carries a weight of conflict and often implies a struggle for freedom or justice. However, "rebellion" isn't always viewed positively. It can describe actions that are destructive or misguided. A rebellious child might act out simply to cause trouble rather than to achieve a greater good.
In literature and film, rebellion is a recurring theme that resonates with audiences worldwide. Think of Katniss Everdeen in The Hunger Games rebelling against the Capitol's oppression, or Luke Skywalker defying the Empire in Star Wars. These stories explore the complexities of challenging power structures and the personal cost of fighting for one's beliefs.
So, whether it is a full-scale revolution or a quiet act of defiance, rebellion is about breaking free from constraints—a powerful force that can shape individuals, societies, and history itself.
Examples
- 1
Food prices
High food prices helped spark a rebellion in the capital.
- 2
Political resistance
By winter, three provinces were in rebellion against the king.
Pattern
in rebellion against + authority
actively resisting or refusing to obey
- 3
Government response
The government offered talks instead of trying to crush the rebellion by force.
- 4
Quiet resistance
For some students, refusing to wear the uniform was a quiet act of rebellion.
Phrase
an act of rebellion
one thing you do to show resistance
- 5
Growing up
The novel treats teenage rebellion as a normal part of growing up.
Forms and spellings
2 forms open this card.
Main spelling
- rebellionnoun
Forms
- rebellionspluralnoun