insurrection

noun

in·​sur·​rec·​tion ˌin(t)-sə-ˈrek-shən 

: an act or instance of revolting against civil authority or an established government

insurrectional

ˌin(t)-sə-ˈrek-sh(ə-)nəl 

adjective

insurrectionary

ˌin(t)-sə-ˈrek-shə-ˌner-ē 

adjective or noun

insurrectionist

ˌin(t)-sə-ˈrek-sh(ə-)nist 

noun

Synonyms

• insurgence
• insurgency
• mutiny
• outbreak
• rebellion
• revolt
• revolution
• rising
• uprising

Choose the Right Synonym for insurrection

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

Examples of insurrection in a Sentence

the famous insurrection of the slaves in ancient Rome under Spartacus

Recent Examples on the Web

Pelosi will also reflect on key moments throughout her career, including the Jan. 6 2021 insurrection. —Carly Tagen-Dye, Peoplemag, 18 Apr. 2024

He could be seen on numerous videos alongside other Proud Boys during the insurrection, dressed in tactical gear, leading chants and wielding the ax handle inside the Capitol. —Daniel Desrochers, Kansas City Star, 16 Apr. 2024

Schubert’s parents, Amy and John Schubert Jr., were also previously arrested, charged and convicted for their role in the Jan. 6 insurrection. —Michael Moore Jr., Miami Herald, 12 Apr. 2024

The former Wyoming lawmaker sacrificed her political career and was effectively ex-communicated from the Republican Party for defying President Trump and overseeing the congressional probe into the Jan. 6 insurrection, as well as Trump’s treacherous attempts to overturn the 2020 election. —Mark Z. Barabak, Los Angeles Times, 11 Apr. 2024

Opening arguments Tuesday laid out conflicting views about the roles Brian Lightfoot and Jeremy White played in a heated protest in the San Diego neighborhood of Pacific Beach on Jan. 9, 2021, three days after the Capitol insurrection. —Will Carless, USA TODAY, 3 Apr. 2024

These left-wing TV buffoons are just paper tigers staging a new version of their favorite hoax — a petulant insurrection. —Armond White, National Review, 29 Mar. 2024

At worst, that can lead to violence in the real world, including deadly pogroms, as in Sri Lanka in 2018, and political insurrections. —Amanda Taub, New York Times, 29 Mar. 2024

Related video Chechen leader condemns Prigozhin’s insurrection In response, Kadyrov said there were no gay people in his republic, and that if there were any they should be taken away from the region. —Jack Guy, CNN, 8 Apr. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Middle English insureccion, from Anglo-French, from Late Latin insurrection-, insurrectio, from insurgere

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

insurrection

noun

in·​sur·​rec·​tion ˌin(t)-sə-ˈrek-shən 

: rebellion sense 2

insurrectionary

-shə-ˌner-ē 

adjective or noun

insurrectionist

-sh(ə-)nəst 

noun

Legal Definition

insurrection

noun

in·​sur·​rec·​tion ˌin-sə-ˈrek-shən 

: the act or an instance of revolting especially violently against civil or political authority or against an established government

also : the crime of inciting or engaging in such revolt

whoever incites, sets on foot, assists, or engages in any rebellion or insurrection against the authority of the United States…shall be fined under this title or imprisoned not more than ten years

—U.S. Code