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 Another Kentuckian has been arrested in connection with the deadly January insurrection at the U.S. Capitol, the FBI announced Tuesday. — Mary Ramsey, The Courier-Journal, 18 Aug. 2021 The convergence between anti-trans activism and the far right is not new, but since the insurrection, researchers have been giving it more attention. — Jake Bittle, The New Republic, 13 Aug. 2021 Besides Thompson, whose committee has already been investigating the riot, another possibility to chair the committee is House Administration Chairwoman Zoe Lofgren, the California Democrat whose panel has also probed the insurrection. — Paula Newton, CNN, 13 Aug. 2021 These were the early days of the Biden administration, not long after rioters stormed the Capitol on Jan. 6 in the deadly insurrection that shattered civic norms and left a deepening unease among lawmakers. — Lisa Mascaro, Anchorage Daily News, 11 Aug. 2021 People who would like to see the patch redesigned pointed to its use in the Charlottesville riot and the Jan. 6 insurrection. — Zach Harris, chicagotribune.com, 11 Aug. 2021 Eighmy recognizes the use of the slogan during recent violent events, such as the deadly insurrection. — Madalyn Mendoza, Chron, 9 Aug. 2021 Set in Fallbrook and San Diego, the book is also set amidst a volatile insurrection with a shadowy organization called the Chaos Committee setting off bombs and sowing unrest in the streets. — Seth Combs Writer, San Diego Union-Tribune, 9 Aug. 2020

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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Dictionary Entries Near insurrection

insurrect

insurrection

insurrectionally

Statistics for insurrection

Last Updated

20 Aug 2021

Cite this Entry

“Insurrection.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/insurrection. Accessed 30 Aug. 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