Sedition Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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sedition
[sɪˈdɪʃən ]
Definition
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.
|
| rebellion |
Used in general contexts where a group actively resists or defies authority, typically on a larger scale.
|
| treason |
Specifically used to describe the crime of betraying one's country, notably by attempting to kill the sovereign or overthrow the government.
|
| insurrection |
Applied in scenarios involving a violent uprising against an established authority or government.
|
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.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
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.
Origin of 'sedition'
Main points about word origin
- 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.
The word 'sedition' originated from the Latin word 'seditio', which means 'rebellion'. It has been used throughout history to describe acts of incitement against ruling authorities. The concept of sedition has been present in various legal systems, often as a means to suppress dissent and maintain control.
See also: seditious.