Rebelled Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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rebelled

[rɪˈbɛld ]

Definition

Context #1 | Verb

past action

Rebelled is the simple past tense of the verb 'rebel', which means to resist or defy authority or control. It often implies a refusal to obey rules or to submit to power. Individuals or groups may rebel against governments, social norms, or established practices. The term can carry a sense of moral justness, where the rebels believe their cause is honorable or necessary.

Synonyms

defied, opposed, resisted, revolted.

Examples of usage

  • The students rebelled against the new dress code.
  • The workers rebelled after years of unfair treatment.
  • He rebelled against his parents' expectations.
  • The colonies rebelled against British rule.

Translations

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Interesting Facts

Historical Origins

  • The word 'rebel' comes from the Latin 'rebellare', meaning to 'be rebellious or to revolt'.
  • Historically, the act of rebellion has often been about fighting for rights or freedoms, from the American Revolution to modern protests.
  • In the 17th century, many rebelling figures emerged during the English Civil War, challenging the monarchy.

Pop Culture

  • Movies like 'The Outsiders' and 'Footloose' celebrate rebellion against societal norms.
  • Famous music artists, like Bob Dylan and Johnny Rotten (of the Sex Pistols), have been considered rebellious figures through their lyrics and lifestyle.
  • Characters like James Dean’s Jim Stark in 'Rebel Without a Cause' became icons of teenage rebellion.

Psychology

  • Rebellion can often stem from a desire for autonomy, particularly during adolescence when individuals seek independence.
  • Psychological studies suggest that some people are more inclined to rebel due to their personality type, especially those with high levels of openness to new experiences.
  • Rebellion can sometimes serve as a coping mechanism for individuals feeling oppressed or constrained by authority.

Literature

  • In literature, rebellion is a common theme, often explored in classic works like '1984' and 'The Catcher in the Rye' where characters fight against oppressive systems.
  • Poets and writers such as Walt Whitman have captured the spirit of rebellion through their works that challenge societal norms.
  • Famous literary rebels include Hester Prynne from 'The Scarlet Letter', who defies Puritanical laws and expectations.

Mechanics of Rebellion

  • Rebellion can take many forms, from peaceful protests and civil disobedience to violent uprisings.
  • Social movements, like the Civil Rights Movement in the U.S., exemplified how collective rebellion can lead to major societal changes.
  • The concept of rebellion can also be seen in systems and organizations, where employees might rebel against unfair practices.

Origin of 'rebelled'

The word 'rebel' originates from the Latin term 'rebellare', which means 'to wage war again'. This Latin term is composed of 're-' meaning 'again' and 'bellare' meaning 'to wage war', which is derived from 'bellum', meaning 'war'. The transition into Middle English occurred through the Old French 'rebelle', which borrowed from the Latin. By the mid-14th century, 'rebel' was used to describe those who rise in arms against their government or authority. Over time, the meaning has expanded to encompass those who resist or oppose any established norms or governance structures, often implying a moral stance against perceived injustice. The concept of rebellion is deeply rooted in societal contexts, where individuals or groups challenge prevailing powers or ideologies, aiming for change or to assert their rights. The historical instances of rebellion, such as the American Revolution or civil rights movements, have contributed to the evolving significance and interpretation of the word in both political and social discourses.


Word Frequency Rank

With rank #17,634, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.