Main Entry: re·bel·lion

Pronunciation: \ri-ˈbel-yən\

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>.