-lyən noun
( -s )
Etymology: Middle English, from Middle French, from Latin rebellion-, rebellio, from rebellare to rebel + -ion-, -io -ion
1. : open opposition to a person or thing in a position of authority or dominance
continuing the rebellion started by the beboppers — Whitney Balliett
a moral rebellion against the oppression of everyday pettiness and misery — A.H.Pekelis
2.
a. : open defiance of or armed resistance to the authority of an established government
gross rebellion and detested treason — Shakespeare
b. often capitalized : an instance of such defiance or resistance
a taxpayers' rebellion
the Great Rebellion
the Whiskey Rebellion
3. Scots law : disobedience of a legal command or summons resulting in actual outlawry or later in certain penalties
Synonyms:
revolution , uprising , revolt , insurrection , mutiny , putsch : rebellion commonly indicates open armed resistance to government of such strength as to constitute a formidable problem to the authorities
the term rebellion is applied to an insurrection of large extent, and is usually a war between the legitimate government of a country and portions or provinces of the same who seek to throw off their allegiance to it and set up a government of their own — Instructions for Govt. of United States Armies
revolution usually applies to a successful rebellion accomplishing the overthrow of a government or the permanent nullifying of its sovereign authority in the territory in question, sometimes with concomitant sweeping economic and social changes
distinguish between revolutions affecting a change in a whole way of life, including religion, economics, and manners, as well as politics, and revolutions changing the form of government — C.J.Friedrich
uprising may refer to a localized rebellion that flares into sudden, spontaneous, militant activity designed to overthrow authority
an Indian uprising drove him and his family from home, but on its suppression they returned — W.J.Ghent
an uprising now viewed as the real beginning of Ireland's “War of Independence” — Current Biography
revolt may apply to a rebellion or uprising against legitimate authority by those owing it allegiance but refusing to accept its dictates
a premature revolt, of some 200 native soldiers … had resulted in the deaths of their officers and in lusty shouts for independence — C.A.Buss
insurrection may suggest more truculent intransigeance and surging activity and less organized purpose than revolt
the new government was harassed by internal controversies and by assassinations, disorders, and insurrections — Collier's Year Book
mutiny applies to a determined localized insurrection and insubordination against maritime, naval, or military authority
mutiny imports collective insubordination and necessarily includes some combination of two or more persons in resisting lawful military authority — U.S. Manual for Courts-Martial
putsch suggests a revolt, turbulent demonstration, or planned attempt at a coup to seize a governmental administration
a putsch to take control of the government — A.L.Funk