French word

rébellion

Pronunciation

IPA/ʁebeljɔ̃/

Meaning

  • feminine noundefiance

Example

Il montre sa rébellion en refusant d'obéir.

He shows his defiance by refusing to obey.

Illustration for rébellion (defiance)

More examples

Il s'est mis en rébellion contre les règles de l'école.

He rose in rebellion against the school rules.

Core concept

People who stop accepting an established power and act together against its orders.

Common phrases

  • se mettre en rébellion

    rise in rebellion

  • rébellion contre l'autorité

    rebellion against authority

  • rébellion des jeunes

    rebellion among young people

Similar words

manifestation: A public gathering in a street or square to express views or grievances.
protestation: An act or expression of dissatisfaction or opposition through words or signs.
révolte: Strong defiance of authority or orders that disrupts the established order.
insurrection: An open armed uprising against a government or ruling system.

Definition in French

Action collective visant à s'opposer à une autorité établie, souvent employée pour désigner une insurrection.

Word origin

French inherited rébellion from Latin rebellio, a noun formed from rebellare, meaning "to wage war again" or renew armed resistance.

Usage tips

  • In news and history, rébellion often suggests organized or serious resistance, while a minor personal refusal is more naturally un refus or une désobéissance.

Other meanings

  • revoltnoun
  • rebellionnoun

Opposites

Related words

Word lists with this word