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Renegade Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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renegade

[ˈrɛnɪɡeɪd ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

person

A person who deserts and betrays an organization, country, or set of principles.

Synonyms

defector, rebel, traitor.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
renegade

This word describes someone who rejects conventional behavior or beliefs, especially in a rebellious way. It can be used in both positive and negative contexts.

  • He was considered a renegade for his unconventional views on education
traitor

This term carries a strong negative connotation and is used to describe a person who betrays a friend, country, principle, etc. It emphasizes disloyalty and treachery.

  • He was branded a traitor after he sold state secrets to a foreign government
rebel

This word describes someone who resists or rises up against authority or control. It is often used to describe political or social opposition.

  • The young rebels organized a protest against the new law
defector

Use this term to describe a person who abandons their country, cause, or party to join an opposing one. The word usually emphasizes the act of switching sides.

  • The soldier became a defector when he crossed the border and surrendered to the enemy

Examples of usage

  • The renegade was captured by the authorities after years of hiding.
  • She was seen as a renegade by her former colleagues for speaking out against the company.
Context #2 | Noun

politics

A member of a group or party who refuses to follow the established rules or beliefs.

Synonyms

dissenter, maverick, nonconformist.

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Word Description / Examples
renegade

A renegade is someone who betrays a set of beliefs or a group they were once loyal to. This word often carries a negative connotation, implying treachery or disloyalty.

  • He was branded as a renegade after he switched sides during the conflict
  • The renegade officer leaked sensitive information to a rival agency
maverick

A maverick is an individual who thinks independently, often defying conventional norms and practices. This term generally has a positive connotation, denoting someone innovative and unorthodox.

  • The company's success is attributed to its maverick CEO who implemented untraditional marketing strategies
  • She has always been a maverick in the world of art, constantly breaking boundaries
dissenter

A dissenter is someone who disagrees with the majority opinion or common beliefs, especially in a formal setting. This word is often used in political, social, or religious contexts.

  • During the meeting, she was the only dissenter who opposed the new policy
  • In history, many religious dissenters have faced persecution for their beliefs
nonconformist

A nonconformist is someone who refuses to conform to established customs, attitudes, or ideas. This word is often used to describe people who challenge societal norms.

  • As a nonconformist, he always questioned societal expectations and chose his own path
  • The nonconformist writer gained a cult following for her unconventional style

Examples of usage

  • The renegade senator broke away from his party to form a new political movement.
  • He was labeled a renegade for voting against his party on the controversial bill.
Context #3 | Adjective

character

Having treacherously changed allegiance.

Synonyms

disloyal, rebellious, traitorous.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
renegade

Used to describe someone who has abandoned a cause or group they were previously loyal to, often to join an opposing side.

  • The soldier became a renegade and joined the enemy forces
  • She was seen as a renegade for leaving the party and forming her own movement
traitorous

Used to describe someone who betrays trust or allegiance, especially to their country or group, with a strong negative connotation.

  • His traitorous behavior was revealed when he sold secrets to the enemy
  • She was executed for her traitorous actions against the state
rebellious

Describes someone who resists control or authority, often showing a desire to break free from restrictions.

  • Teenagers often go through a rebellious phase, challenging their parents' rules
  • The rebellious citizens protested against the new law
disloyal

Used for someone who does not show loyalty or trustworthiness to a person, group, or cause. It has a negative connotation.

  • He felt disloyal when he told his friend's secret
  • The employee was considered disloyal for leaking company information

Examples of usage

  • The renegade soldier joined the enemy forces.
  • She was known for her renegade behavior in the corporate world.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Pop Culture

  • In popular movies, renegades are often heroes who fight against corrupt systems or oppressive leaders.
  • The term is frequently used in music, with many songs lauding the 'renegade spirit' of free thinkers and disruptors.

Historical Context

  • During the American Revolutionary War, some who sided with the British were labeled as renegades by the colonists.
  • The term has also been used to describe outlaws in the Old West who challenged established law enforcement.

Psychology

  • People labeled as renegades often exhibit traits of high creativity and independence, pushing boundaries to innovate.
  • Studies indicate that renegade behavior can be both a trait and a response to social pressures, leading to personal growth.

Literature

  • Renegade characters are common in literature, often representing the struggle against societal norms, like in classic novels or dystopian tales.
  • This theme is prevalent in the works of authors like Mark Twain, where characters often reject society's constraints to find freedom.

Origin of 'renegade'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Spanish 'renegado', which means 'to deny' or 'to reject'.
  • It originally described someone who abandoned their religion or beliefs to adopt another.

The word 'renegade' originated in the late 16th century from the Spanish 'renegado', meaning 'apostate'. It was initially used to describe a person who had changed their faith or allegiances. Over time, the term evolved to refer to someone who deserts or betrays a group, organization, or set of principles. The concept of a renegade has been prevalent in various fields, including politics, military, and popular culture.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #22,176, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.