Insurgency: meaning, definitions and examples

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insurgency

 

[ ɪnˈsɜr.dʒən.si ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

political movement

Insurgency refers to a movement aimed at the overthrow of a constituted government through the use of subversion and armed conflict. It often involves a group of people who resist established authority and may employ guerrilla tactics. Insurgents typically seek to establish control over a specific territory and can operate independently or with external support. Historically, insurgencies have arisen in response to perceived oppression, injustice, or socio-political issues.

Synonyms

insurrection, rebellion, revolt, uprising

Examples of usage

  • The insurgency in the region has led to widespread conflict.
  • Many countries face ongoing insurgencies that challenge their stability.
  • Government forces are struggling to quell the insurgency effectively.
  • The rise of the insurgency prompted international concern.

Translations

Translations of the word "insurgency" in other languages:

🇵🇹 insurgência

🇮🇳 विद्रोह

🇩🇪 Aufstand

🇮🇩 pemberontakan

🇺🇦 повстання

🇵🇱 powstanie

🇯🇵 反乱

🇫🇷 insurrection

🇪🇸 insurgencia

🇹🇷 isyan

🇰🇷 반란

🇸🇦 تمرد

🇨🇿 vzpoura

🇸🇰 povstanie

🇨🇳 叛乱

🇸🇮 upor

🇮🇸 uppreisn

🇰🇿 бунт

🇬🇪 მتمרדობა

🇦🇿 üsyan

🇲🇽 insurgencia

Word origin

The term 'insurgency' derives from the Latin word 'insurgere,' which means 'to rise up.' This word illustrates the fundamental nature of an insurgency as an uprising against existing power structures. Historically, the concept has been used to describe various movements throughout history, from colonial uprisings to modern guerrilla warfare. Insurgencies often emerge in contexts where political, social, or economic grievances create unrest and dissatisfaction. The late 20th century has seen a notable increase in global insurgent movements, particularly in developing nations, as groups seek to address profound inequalities or injustices. Its application in political discourse has evolved, reflecting changing strategies of conflict and the complexities of modern warfare.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #18,580, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.