Rebelling Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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rebelling

[rɪˈbɛlɪŋ ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Verb}

independence

To rebel means to resist or rise up against an authority or control, often in pursuit of freedom or independence. It involves open defiance or opposition to established rules or norms.

Synonyms

defy, mutiny, protest, revolt.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
rebelling	To refuse to accept authority or to break away from control, often involving some form of resistance or upheaval. Teenagers rebelling against their parents is a common phase Citizens started rebelling when their basic rights were taken away
revolt	To take violent action against a ruler or government, aiming for a significant change or overthrow of the existing power. The oppressed villagers began to revolt against the tyrannical government History is filled with stories of people who revolted to gain freedom
mutiny	Typically used in a military or naval context, referring to a revolt or rebellion against authority, especially by soldiers or sailors against their commanding officers. The sailors organized a mutiny after enduring poor conditions on the ship The commander warned that any sign of mutiny would be severely punished
defy	To openly refuse to obey someone or something, often displaying boldness and resistance. The students decided to defy the school's dress code by wearing colorful clothes The residents defied the government's order to stay indoors during the curfew
protest	To publicly demonstrate strong objection or disapproval of something, often involving gatherings, marches, or rallies. Thousands of workers marched in protest against the new labor laws Students held a peaceful protest demanding better facilities

Examples of usage

The citizens were rebelling against the oppressive regime.
The students rebelled against the strict school policies.
The rebels were fighting for their right to self-governance.

^{Context #2 | Verb}

against authority

To rebel can also mean to go against or disobey a particular authority or command. It is an act of defiance or resistance.

Synonyms

challenge, defy, disobey, oppose.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
rebelling	Appropriate for situations where an individual or group is resisting authority in a strong and active manner, often implying a larger scale or more organized effort. The workers are rebelling against the new company policies; Teenagers often go through a phase of rebelling against their parents
defy	Best fits scenarios where there is an openly bold or daring refusal to obey an authority or rule, carrying a sense of defiance and risk. The protesters decided to defy the curfew; He defied his boss's instructions openly at the meeting
disobey	Suitable for instances of not following orders, rules, or laws, generally on a smaller or more personal scale. It often has a negative connotation. Children should not disobey their parents; She was fined for disobeying traffic laws
oppose	Used in contexts where expressing disapproval or resistance to an idea, plan, or policy, typically in a non-physical way and can be formal or informal. Many people oppose the new tax reforms; They opposed the decision to cut down the forest
challenge	Used when questioning or disputing the validity or authority of something, often in a more formal or structured setting. She decided to challenge the unfair ruling in court; He likes to challenge traditional beliefs and ideas

Examples of usage

The soldiers rebelled against their commanding officer.
The workers rebelled by going on strike.
The teenagers rebelled by breaking curfew.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Historical Origins

The term comes from the Latin 'rebellare', meaning 'to rebel or revolt'.
Many significant historical events, like the American Revolution, involved people rebelling against unfair rulers.
The word has been used since the 14th century to describe those who resist control.

Culture

The youth culture of the 1950s in America saw a rise in rebelling through music and fashion, particularly with rock and roll.
Rebelling is often expressed in art and literature, showcasing characters who challenge societal norms, like in classic novels.
Contemporary movements often use rebellion as a means of sparking change in society, especially around topics like climate change and equality.

Psychology

Rebelling can be a natural part of adolescent development, as individuals seek independence.
Research shows that environmental factors, like peer pressure, can increase the likelihood of rebellious behavior in teenagers.
Psychologists suggest that healthy rebellion can sometimes promote important personal growth and clarify one’s values.

Politics

Many significant political movements throughout history have been driven by groups of people rebelling against perceived injustices.
The concept of rebelling is inherent in democracy, where citizens can resist and challenge government actions they disagree with.
Different countries have varying tolerance levels for rebellion, affecting how movements are perceived and handled.

Pop Culture

Movies and songs often glorify the act of rebelling, portraying it as heroic or necessary for change, such as in the film 'The Breakfast Club'.
Iconic figures in music, like Elvis Presley and punk rock bands, embodied the rebellious spirit of their times and influenced culture significantly.
Television shows often depict rebellious characters as both heroes and anti-heroes, offering complex narratives about authority.

Origin of 'rebelling'

The word 'rebelling' is derived from the Middle English word 'rebellen', which comes from the Old French word 'rebeller'. It has roots in the Latin word 'rebellare' meaning 'to renew war'. The concept of rebellion has been a recurring theme in human history, with individuals and groups rebelling against various forms of authority in pursuit of freedom, justice, or change.

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #27,389, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.

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27387 shallowness
27388 perestroika
27389 rebelling
27390 instal
27391 installer
27392 inconsistently
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