n.
Pronunciation: ri- ' bel-y ə n
Function: noun
Date: 14th century
1 : opposition to one in authority or dominance
2 a : open, armed, and usually unsuccessful defiance of or resistance to an established government b : an instance of such defiance or resistance
synonyms 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>.