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Mutiny: meaning, definitions and examples

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mutiny

 

[ ˈmjuːtɪni ]

Noun / Verb
Context #1 | Noun

on a ship

A mutiny is a rebellion against authority, especially by sailors or soldiers against their officers. Mutinies often involve a group of people taking control of a ship or military unit by force.

Synonyms

rebellion, revolt, uprising.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
mutiny

Usually occurs in a military or naval setting where the crew or soldiers collectively refuse to follow orders from their superior officers. Has a negative connotation.

  • The sailors plotted a mutiny to take control of the ship.
  • There was a mutiny among the soldiers due to poor living conditions.
rebellion

Involves a broader and usually organized resistance against an established authority, government, or ruler. Can be seen in social, political, or cultural contexts.

  • The country went through a rebellion that lasted several years.
  • Her acts of rebellion were admired by many for their courage.
revolt

Typically indicates a violent uprising against an authority or government. It tends to be more spontaneous and less organized compared to a rebellion.

  • The villagers began a revolt against the oppressive regime.
  • The sudden tax increase led to a revolt among the lower classes.
uprising

Describes a mass movement usually focused on achieving a political goal. It can be both violent and non-violent.

  • The uprising was met with heavy resistance from the government forces.
  • A peaceful uprising led to significant political reforms.

Examples of usage

  • The captain managed to prevent the mutiny by addressing the sailors' concerns.
  • The mutiny on the HMS Bounty is a famous historical event.
Context #2 | Verb

on a ship

To mutiny means to rebel against the established authority, typically by sailors or soldiers against their superiors. Mutinying often involves a group of individuals refusing to obey orders or attempting to take control through force.

Synonyms

rebel, revolt, rise up.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
mutiny

Typically used to describe an uprising or rebellion against authority, especially within a military or on a ship.

  • The sailors planned a mutiny against the captain
  • There was a sudden mutiny among the troops stationed at the remote outpost
rebel

Used for individuals or groups resisting authority or control. Can be applied in a military, political, or social context.

  • The rebels clashed with government forces
  • As a teenager, he often felt the urge to rebel against his strict parents
revolt

Refers to a more widespread and aggressive form of rebellion against authority, often involving violence. Can denote a group or mass movement.

  • The oppressed citizens decided to revolt against their tyrannical ruler
  • The revolt quickly spread to neighboring towns
rise up

A more general and often call-to-action term for standing against oppression or authority. Often used in a figurative or motivational sense.

  • The people must rise up to demand their rights
  • They urged the community to rise up against injustice

Examples of usage

  • The crew decided to mutiny after enduring harsh treatment from the captain.
  • The soldiers mutinied against their officers due to lack of provisions.

Translations

Translations of the word "mutiny" in other languages:

🇵🇹 motim

🇮🇳 विद्रोह

🇩🇪 Meuterei

🇮🇩 pemberontakan

🇺🇦 бунт

🇵🇱 bunt

🇯🇵 反乱

🇫🇷 mutinerie

🇪🇸 motín

🇹🇷 isyan

🇰🇷 반란

🇸🇦 تمرد

🇨🇿 vzbouření

🇸🇰 vzpoura

🇨🇳 叛变

🇸🇮 upor

🇮🇸 uppreisn

🇰🇿 көтеріліс

🇬🇪 აჯანყება

🇦🇿 üsyan

🇲🇽 motín

Etymology

The word 'mutiny' originated from the French term 'meutiner', which means 'to revolt'. The concept of mutiny has been present throughout history, particularly in naval and military settings where groups of individuals rebel against their leaders. Mutinies have often been sparked by grievances such as harsh treatment, poor conditions, or lack of provisions.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #15,224, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.