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Insurgent: meaning, definitions and examples

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insurgent

 

[ɪnˈsɜːrdʒənt ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

armed conflict

A person who rises in opposition or armed resistance against an established government or ruler.

Synonyms

guerrilla, rebel, revolutionary.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
insurgent

Use to describe someone who actively rebels against authority, typically in a political context. It often has a somewhat negative connotation as it implies a threat to the established order.

  • The insurgents launched an attack on the government building
  • The military is deploying troops to control the insurgent activity in the region
rebel

Refers to someone who resists or defies authority, control, or tradition. It can be used in both political and non-political contexts and may have a somewhat rebellious and defiant undertone.

  • The young rebels organized protests against the new law
  • She has always been a rebel, challenging the norms of the society
revolutionary

Used to describe someone who promotes or participates in a complete and dramatic change, especially politically. It can have a positive or inspiring connotation, often implying a visionary change.

  • The revolutionary led the movement for independence
  • His ideas were revolutionary, offering new perspectives on how society could function
guerrilla

Best for describing a member of a small, independent group engaging in irregular warfare, typically against larger, traditional military forces. It often emphasizes unconventional tactics and mobility.

  • The guerrilla fighters used hit-and-run tactics against the enemy
  • The mountains served as a perfect hideout for the guerrilla units

Examples of usage

  • During the civil war, the insurgents fought fiercely against the government forces.
  • The insurgents captured several strategic locations in the city.
  • The government forces launched an offensive to suppress the insurgents.
  • The insurgents were well-organized and determined to overthrow the regime.
  • The insurgency lasted for several years before a peace agreement was reached.
Context #2 | Adjective

rebellious

Revolting against a ruling authority; rising in revolt, refusing to obey authorities.

Synonyms

defiant, rebellious, revolutionary.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
insurgent

Used to describe someone who actively takes part in an uprising or rebellion against an established authority, often in a violent manner. It has a negative connotation.

  • The government troops fought off the insurgent attacks.
  • Insurgent forces took control of the capital city overnight.
rebellious

Characterizes someone who resists control or convention, often used to describe teenagers or social movements. It can have a slightly negative or neutral connotation.

  • Her rebellious nature made it difficult for her to fit into traditional school settings.
  • The rebellious youth started a protest against the new law.
revolutionary

Refers to someone or something that involves or causes a significant change or is associated with a revolution. This word often carries a positive connotation when referring to progress or innovation.

  • The revolutionary leader inspired many to join the cause for independence.
  • Her revolutionary ideas changed the face of modern medicine.
defiant

Describes a person or attitude that openly resists authority, rules, or norms. It can be used in both negative and positive contexts, depending on the situation.

  • She gave her teacher a defiant glare when asked to sit down.
  • The defiant student refused to follow the school's dress code.

Examples of usage

  • Her insurgent behavior led to her expulsion from the school.
  • The insurgent group plotted to overthrow the government.
  • The insurgent soldiers refused to follow orders from their superiors.
  • The insurgent students protested against the new school policies.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The word 'insurgent' comes from the Latin 'insurgere,' meaning 'to rise up.'
  • It originally referred to people who rebelled against their rulers in various historical contexts.

Historical Context

  • Insurgent movements have been prominent in many revolutions, such as the American Revolution and the Spanish Civil War.
  • Historically, insurgents often emerge in response to perceived injustices or oppression from governing powers.

Modern Usage

  • In contemporary times, 'insurgent' is often used to describe groups involved in guerrilla warfare against established governments, particularly in conflict zones.
  • Some insurgent groups evolve into more organized entities, entering international discussions and negotiations.

Political Science

  • The study of insurgency examines motivations, tactics, and the socio-political environment that give rise to such movements.
  • Successful insurgent movements often gain popular support by addressing grievances of the local population.

Pop Culture

  • The term gained popularity in the film and literature landscape, notably in dystopian narratives reflecting resistance against oppressive regimes.
  • In video games, insurgents often serve as protagonists or antagonists, reflecting the complexity of their role in society.

Translations

Translations of the word "insurgent" in other languages:

🇵🇹 insurgente

🇮🇳 विद्रोही

🇩🇪 Aufständischer

🇮🇩 pemberontak

🇺🇦 повстанець

🇵🇱 powstaniec

🇯🇵 反乱者

🇫🇷 insurgé

🇪🇸 insurgente

🇹🇷 asi

🇰🇷 반란자

🇸🇦 متمرد

🇨🇿 povstalec

🇸🇰 povstalecký

🇨🇳 叛乱者

🇸🇮 upornik

🇮🇸 uppreisnarmaður

🇰🇿 көтерілісші

🇬🇪 ამბოხებული

🇦🇿 üsyançı

🇲🇽 insurgente

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #18,722, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.