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insurgence

/ɪnˈsʌrdʒəns/
IPA guide

Other forms: insurgences

When a group of rebels rises up in an effort to overthrow a government, it can be called an insurgence. Most acts of insurgence are unlawful and violent.

The term insurgence, used interchangeably with insurgency, implies the use of violence by a small combative group against a lawfully elected government. Because of this negative, violent connotation, a government will sometimes describe a justified rebellion as an insurgence in order to turn public opinion against the rebels. The Latin root, insurgere, means "rise up" or "gather force."

Definitions of insurgence
  1. noun
    an organized rebellion aimed at overthrowing a constituted government through the use of subversion and armed conflict
    synonyms: insurgency
    see moresee less
    type of:
    insurrection, rebellion, revolt, rising, uprising
    organized opposition to authority; a conflict in which one faction tries to wrest control from another
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