Meaning of Word
Rebel refers to a person who resists or fights against authority, control, or tradition. It can also refer to the act of resisting or defying authority.
Definitions and Meaning in English
- Noun: A person who rises in opposition or resistance against an established government, authority, or ruler.
- Verb: To engage in resistance or defiance against established rules, authority, or norms.
- Verb: To refuse to obey or conform to rules, laws, or authority.
- Noun: A person who rejects the norms, values, or conventions of a particular group or society.
History and Origin
The word “rebel” comes from the Latin rebellare, meaning “to wage war” or “to revolt,” formed from re- (against) and bellum (war). It entered the English language in the 14th century and has since been used to describe both individuals who oppose authority and the act of resisting control.
Detailed Explanation
A “rebel” is someone who opposes or resists authority, government, or societal norms, often through action or protest. Rebellion can take many forms, including armed resistance, civil disobedience, or simply rejecting conventional rules and expectations. While a rebel may be seen as a troublemaker or lawbreaker by those in power, their actions are sometimes motivated by a desire for change or justice. The term is often associated with uprisings or movements against oppressive regimes, but it can also apply to smaller-scale acts of defiance against any form of authority, including family, school, or workplace.
Example Sentences
- The rebels fought against the oppressive government in an attempt to bring about change.
- As a teenager, she often rebelled against her parents’ strict rules.
- The students decided to rebel against the unfair school policies.
- He was known as a rebel for challenging the traditional methods of the company.
- The rebel army gained support from local villagers who were dissatisfied with the regime.
- She rebelled against the idea of following a conventional career path.
- The leader of the rebellion was captured and taken to the capital.
- The young prince became a rebel after rejecting his father’s rule.
- They rebelled by organizing protests and strikes to demand better working conditions.
Synonyms with Short Explanation
- Insurgent: A person who rises in revolt against an established government or authority.
- Revolutionary: A person who advocates or participates in a revolution to overthrow existing systems.
- Dissenter: Someone who disagrees with the established norms or opinions.
- Nonconformist: A person who refuses to conform to established practices or conventions.
- Mutineer: A person who rebels, especially in the context of military or naval settings.
Related Words with Short Explanation
- Revolt: An action or process of rising in rebellion against authority.
- Revolution: A large-scale rebellion or change in the social, political, or economic structure.
- Defiance: The act of boldly resisting or challenging authority or norms.
- Uprising: An act of rebellion or revolt against an established authority.
- Protest: A demonstration of resistance or opposition, often public, against policies or conditions.
More Matches with Short Explanation
- Rebel Leader: A person who leads a rebellion or revolt.
- Rebel Force: A group of people who engage in rebellion, often militarily.
- Rebel Army: A military force formed to oppose the ruling government.
- Rebel Without a Cause: A person who rebels without clear reason or purpose, often a term used to describe young people defying authority.
- Rebellious Act: An action that opposes authority or established norms, often leading to conflict.
Antonyms
- Follower: A person who adheres to the direction or rules set by others, the opposite of a rebel.
- Obedient: Willing to comply with authority, rules, or instructions.
- Conformist: A person who conforms to accepted norms or standards, avoiding rebellion.
- Supporter: A person who supports and defends the established system or authority.
- Ally: A person or group that joins or supports another, typically in maintaining existing systems or power.