insurgency
noun
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Insurgencies fall into the category of "irregular warfare", since an insurgency normally lacks the organization of a revolution, even though it has the same aims. Revolutions often begin within a country's armed forces, whereas insurgencies often arise in remote areas, where they gain strength slowly by winning the confidence of rural populations. An insurgency may be based on ethnic or religious identity, or its roots may be basically political or economic. Since insurgencies are rarely strong enough to face a national army head-on, insurgents (often called guerrillas) tend to use such tactics as bombing, kidnapping, hostage taking, and hijacking.
Examples of insurgency in a Sentence
Bonny Chu,
FOXNews.com,
3 July 2026
Since overthrowing the Assad dynasty and taking power in a lightning insurgency in December 2024, Syria’s new rulers have cracked down on militants from the extremist Islamic State group in an attempt to thwart attacks in and around the capital.
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ABC News,
2 July 2026
Years of insurgency and predatory armed gangs have devastated northern Nigeria, displacing millions.
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Dyepkazah Shibayan,
Los Angeles Times,
27 June 2026
Alberto Fujimori, who governed Peru from 1990 to 2000, is credited by supporters with rescuing the country from economic collapse, taming hyperinflation and defeating the brutal Maoist Shining Path insurgency, which had terrorized Peru for years.
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Antonio María Delgado,
Miami Herald,
24 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for insurgency
Cite this Entry
“Insurgency.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/insurgency. Accessed 3 Jul. 2026.
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insurgency
noun
