insurrection

/ˈɪnsəˌrɛkʃən/

/ɪnsəˈrɛkʃən/

Other forms: insurrections

Insurrection is an uprising against a larger force that's in power. An insurrection can lead to revolution, but it is just as likely to be put down.

Other words for insurrection include "rebellion," "revolt," and "uprising," the last of which is the translation of insurrection's Latin roots. The Boston Tea Party is probably the most famous American act of insurrection. One who rises up in insurrection is called an insurgent by the force they are rising against. Like Paul Revere, insurgents are often called heroes by the people they are rising up to support.

Definitions of insurrection

1. noun

   organized opposition to authority; a conflict in which one faction tries to wrest control from another
   synonyms: rebellion, revolt, rising, uprising

   examples:

   Peasant's Revolt

   a widespread rebellion in 1381 against poll taxes and other inequities that oppressed the poorer people of England; suppressed by Richard II

   Indian Mutiny

   discontent with British administration in India led to numerous mutinies in 1857 and 1858; the revolt was put down after several battles and sieges (notably the siege at Lucknow)

   types:

   insurgence, insurgency

   an organized rebellion aimed at overthrowing a constituted government through the use of subversion and armed conflict

   intifada, intifadah

   an uprising by Palestinian Arabs (in both the Gaza Strip and the West Bank) against Israel in the late 1980s and again in 2000

   mutiny

   open rebellion against constituted authority (especially by seamen or soldiers against their officers)

   type of:

   battle, conflict, struggle

   an open clash between two opposing groups (or individuals)