plural rebellions
1
: an effort by many people to change the government or leader of a country by the use of protest or violence
The king's army suppressed/quelled/crushed the rebellion.
The unfair tax laws sparked a rebellion.
A rebellion broke out.
The peasants rose in rebellion.
2
: open opposition toward a person or group in authority
She's the head of a rebellion against the leaders of the party.
Recent election losses have led to open rebellion among some party members, who are calling for a complete change of leadership.
3
: refusal to obey rules or accept normal standards of behavior, dress, etc.
signs of teenage rebellion
Cite this Entry
“Rebellion.” Merriam-Webster.com Simple Definition, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/simple/rebellion. Accessed 5 Jun. 2026.
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