insurrection

noun

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

Definition of insurrection

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

Other Words from insurrection Synonyms Choose the Right Synonym Example Sentences Learn More about insurrection

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Other Words from insurrection

insurrectional \ ˌin(t)-sə-ˈrek-shnəl

, -shə-nᵊl \ adjective

insurrectionary \ ˌin(t)-sə-ˈrek-shə-ˌner-ē

\ adjective or noun

insurrectionist \ ˌin(t)-sə-ˈrek-sh(ə-)nist

\ noun

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 Trump was impeached by the House on an article of incitement of insurrection in connection to the Jan. 6 Capitol siege. — Haley Victory Smith, Washington Examiner, "Trump lawyer says impeachment managers 'failed miserably' and 'manufactured evidence'," 14 Feb. 2021 No thinking person could seriously believe that the president's Jan. 6 speech on the Ellipse was in any way an incitement to violence or insurrection. ... — BostonGlobe.com, "Trump team glosses over his Jan. 6 tirade," 12 Feb. 2021 An insurrection is typically defined as a violent uprising against the government. — Matt Ford, The New Republic, "Would Everyone Please Have Some Pity for Poor Donald Trump?," 12 Feb. 2021 Their question portrayed Trump’s basic defense argument, that the insurrection materialized without his assistance, as a logical fallacy. — Dustin Gardiner, San Francisco Chronicle, "California Sens. Feinstein, Padilla take aim at Trump's core defense," 12 Feb. 2021 House managers showed Trump's utter failure to act swiftly to quell the insurrection with all the means at his disposal. — Editorial Board, Star Tribune, "Case closed: Trump incited deadly insurrection," 12 Feb. 2021 The House characterized the attack as an insurrection and in the article of impeachment, charged him with violating his oath to defend the Constitution and the nation’s democratic institutions by inciting that attack. — Todd J. Gillman, Dallas News, "Impeachment Day 2: Senate will see security footage as House presses case that Trump incited attack," 10 Feb. 2021 Trump was impeached on a count of incitement of insurrection over the Jan. 6 Capitol riot by a mob of his supporters. — Tim Darnell, ajc, "BREAKING: Senate votes to proceed with Trump impeachment trial," 9 Feb. 2021 The insurrection led to five deaths, including a Capitol police officer, Brian Sicknick, who died from injuries sustained in the attack. — Jason Silverstein, CBS News, "What have presidents been impeached for? The articles of impeachment for Andrew Johnson, Richard Nixon, Bill Clinton and Donald Trump," 8 Feb. 2021

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'insurrection.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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Last Updated

21 Feb 2021

Cite this Entry

“Insurrection.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/insurrection. Accessed 22 Feb. 2021.

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More Definitions for insurrection

insurrection

noun

English Language Learners Definition of insurrection

: a usually violent attempt to take control of a government

See the full definition for insurrection in the English Language Learners Dictionary

insurrection

noun

in·sur·rec·tion | \ ˌin-sə-ˈrek-shən

Kids Definition of insurrection

: an act or instance of rebelling against a government

insurrection

noun

in·sur·rec·tion | \ ˌin-sə-ˈrek-shən

Legal Definition of insurrection

: 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

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