insurrection

noun

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

Impeachment is a legal, as well as a political, mechanism for terminating the tenures of misbehaving presidents — and a preferred mode rather than replacement via military coup or insurrection. — Javier Corrales, Washington Post, "The threat of impeachment can push presidents out the door. But there’s a catch.," 11 Apr. 2018 House Republican leaders sidestepped an insurrection last week. — Chad Pergram, Fox News, "A User's Manual: What to expect on immigration, border security this week in the House," 18 June 2018 The Republican tax bill is the law for 2018, but some progressives are mounting an insurrection against taxation without . . . — The Editorial Board, WSJ, "Albany’s Millionaire Tax Revolt," 18 July 2018 This marked Thiem’s 47th match of 2018—no surprise his body mounted an insurrection today. — Jon Wertheim, SI.com, "Five Thoughts From Day Two at Wimbledon," 3 July 2018 Their switch is why many of those moderate Republicans washed out to sea; their fate was sealed more by moderate women rising up to vote Democratic than because of a left-wing insurrection. — Gerald F. Seib, WSJ, "A Democratic Narrative Misses the Reality of 2018," 14 Jan. 2019 The Jacobite Rebellion of 1715 challenged the Hanoverian legitimacy and forced the theaters to shut until the insurrection was put down by Winston Churchill’s ancestor, the Duke of Marlborough. — Norman Lebrecht, WSJ, "‘Handel in London’ Review: The First Musician-Entrepreneur," 21 Dec. 2018 Leading up to the insurrection, there was a considerable outcry from inmates about the state of the prison and the staff’s behavior. — Shammara Lawrence, Teen Vogue, "The Attica Prison Riot in 1971 Serves as a Reminder of the Dangers of a Failing Prison System," 13 Sep. 2018 At least one conservative Republican, though, Representative Warren Davidson of Ohio, suggested party leaders have only themselves to blame for the moderates’ insurrection. — New York Times, "Paul Ryan’s Hold on Speaker’s Job Is Tested by G.O.P. Infighting," 22 May 2018

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

20 Apr 2019

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Time Traveler for insurrection

The first known use of insurrection was in the 15th century

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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