Sedition: meaning, definitions and examples

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sedition

[sɪˈdɪʃən ]

Definition

^{Context #1 | Noun}

political unrest

Sedition is conduct or speech inciting people to rebel against the authority of a state or monarch. It is typically seen as a threat to national security.

Synonyms

insurrection, rebellion, treason.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
sedition	Used when referring to conduct or speech that incites people to rebel against the authority of a state. The government's strict surveillance policies were aimed at preventing any form of sedition. He was charged with sedition for his inflammatory posts on social media.
rebellion	Used in general contexts where a group actively resists or defies authority, typically on a larger scale. The rebellion lasted for several years before peace was restored. Rebellion among the workers was a result of unfair labor practices.
treason	Specifically used to describe the crime of betraying one's country, notably by attempting to kill the sovereign or overthrow the government. He was convicted of treason for collaborating with enemy forces during wartime. The penalty for treason can be life imprisonment or even death.
insurrection	Applied in scenarios involving a violent uprising against an established authority or government. The insurrection was quickly quelled by the military forces. Historical records detail the insurrection that nearly brought down the monarchy.

Examples of usage

Sedition can lead to serious consequences such as imprisonment or even death.
The government accused the protestors of sedition for their anti-establishment rhetoric.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word comes from the Latin 'seditionem', meaning 'a going apart' or 'rebellion'.
The root 'sed-' means 'to sit' while 'itio' refers to 'a way', painting a picture of people sitting apart from the majority.
It entered the English language in the late 14th century, originally referring to the act of rebellion.

Historical Context

Throughout history, sedition has been a charge used against many revolutionaries and political dissidents.
In the U.S., the Sedition Act of 1798 made it illegal to criticize the government, reflecting tensions between free speech and government control.
Numerous civil rights movements around the world began as acts of sedition, aiming to challenge unjust laws.

Legal Perspectives

Sedition can include speech, writing, or actions aimed at inciting revolt against authority.
Laws regarding sedition vary by country; some impose strict penalties while others prioritize free speech.
In many democratic societies, claims of sedition are often contentious, especially when they infringe on freedoms.

Cultural References

Many literary works, including George Orwell's '1984', explore themes of rebellion and sedition against oppressive regimes.
Popular films often portray sedition as a struggle for justice, resonating with audiences in times of political upheaval.
Music genres like punk and hip-hop frequently express themes of rebellion and dissent, embodying the spirit of sedition.

Psychology

People engaged in seditious activities may feel marginalized, leading to actions as a form of psychological relief or expression.
The collective emotion of dissatisfaction can be powerful, turning individual grievances into widespread movements.
Social identity theory suggests that individuals may engage in sedition to affirm their identity against perceived injustice.

Translations

Translations of the word "sedition" in other languages:

🇵🇹 sedução

🇮🇳 राजद्रोह

🇩🇪 Aufruhr

🇮🇩 penghasutan

🇺🇦 підбурювання

🇵🇱 podburzanie

🇯🇵 扇動

🇫🇷 sédition

🇪🇸 sedición

🇹🇷 isyan

🇰🇷 선동

🇸🇦 فتنة

🇨🇿 pobuřování

🇸🇰 poburovanie

🇨🇳 煽动

🇸🇮 upor

🇮🇸 uppreisn

🇰🇿 көтеріліс

🇬🇪 ამბოხება

🇦🇿 üsyan

🇲🇽 sedición

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #17,976, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.

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17973 oasis
17974 bulwark
17975 dusted
17976 sedition
17977 grapefruit
17978 analgesic
17979 friar
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