Rebelling: meaning, definitions and examples

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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