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Sedition: meaning, definitions and examples

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sedition

[sษชหˆdษชสƒษ™n ]

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?

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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

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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.