Crossword Dictionary

What's The Definition Of Insurrection?

\In`sur*rec"tion\, n. [L. insurrectio, fr. insurgere, insurrectum: cf. F. insurrection. See {Insurgent}.] 1. A rising against civil or political authority, or the established government; open and active opposition to the execution of law in a city or state. It is found that this city of old time hath made insurrection against kings, and that rebellion and sedition have been made therein. --Ezra iv. 19. 2. A rising in mass to oppose an enemy. [Obs.] Syn: {Insurrection}, {Sedition}, {Revolt}, {Rebellion}, {Mutiny}. Usage: Sedition is the raising of commotion in a state, as by conspiracy, without aiming at open violence against the laws. Insurrection is a rising of individuals to prevent the execution of law by force of arms. Revolt is a casting off the authority of a government, with a view to put it down by force, or to substitute one ruler for another. Rebellion is an extended insurrection and revolt. Mutiny is an insurrection on a small scale, as a mutiny of a regiment, or of a ship's crew. I say again, In soothing them, we nourish 'gainst our senate The cockle of rebellion, insolence, sedition. --Shak. Insurrections of base people are commonly more furious in their beginnings. --Bacon. He was greatly strengthened, and the enemy as much enfeebled, by daily revolts. --Sir W. Raleigh. Though of their names in heavenly records now Be no memorial, blotted out and razed By their rebellion from the books of life. --Milton.