noun

rebellion

rih-BEL-yuhn/rɪˈbeljən/

Open resistance to authority or control.

The citizens' coordinated resistance becomes a rebellion against authority.

A coordinated group of citizens blocking an official procession in a public square, organized resistance shown through unified action, no banners or written text.

Etymology

reLatinagainst, or perhaps again

+bellLatinto wage war

+ionLatinaction or process

The war root makes rebellion an act of fighting against authority, with the prefix meaning 'against' or perhaps 'again.' Latin rebellio could mean renewal of war; the English sense extends to organized resistance more generally.

In context

Enhanced Public Domain64:35

the Rebellion against Alexander's Authority broke out they killed the officers who were in the city and summoned The Garrison to surrender

Alexander the Great Biography (Audiobook)

More examples

The rebellion spread across the province.
Several rebellions had failed.
Her choice was a quiet rebellion against family expectations.

Forms

rebellion · rebellions

Similar words

revolt: Revolt often suggests a more direct collective uprising.
defiance: Defiance can be individual rather than organized resistance.