VocabDictionary

rebel

/ˈrɛb.əl/ (noun/adj), /rɪˈbɛl/ (verb)intermediate Level

English Meaning & Definitions

1.noun

A person who rises in opposition or armed resistance against an established government or ruler.

Example Sentences:
  • The rebels seized control of the radio station to broadcast their demands.
  • He was always a bit of a rebel in his youth, constantly challenging his teachers.
2.verb

To rise in opposition or armed resistance to an established government or leader, or to refuse to obey rules or conventions.

Example Sentences:
  • The teenagers began to rebel against their parents' strict curfew.
  • The soldiers decided to rebel against the cruel commander.
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English Synonyms & Near Equivalents

English Antonyms & Opposites

Comprehensive Thesaurus Breakdown

Compare formal, informal, literary synonyms and register nuances for “rebel”.

Thesaurus Entry
Cultural Origin & Etymology

Derived from the Old French 'rebeller', which comes from the Latin 'rebellare'—meaning 'to wage war again'. It is composed of the prefix 're-' (again) and 'bellum' (war), originally referring to the renewal of hostilities by a conquered nation.

Memory Aid & Mnemonic

Think of a 're-bell'—someone who rings the bell again to signal they are starting a new fight against the status quo.

Rhyming Words

Frequently Asked Questions About “rebel

1. What is the meaning of “rebel” in English?

In English, rebel (noun) is defined as: “A person who rises in opposition or armed resistance against an established government or ruler.”.

2. How do you use “rebel” in a sentence?

The rebels seized control of the radio station to broadcast their demands.

3. What are English synonyms of “rebel”?

Common synonyms include:insurgent,mutineer,dissident,nonconformist

4. What is the etymology and word origin of “rebel”?

Derived from the Old French 'rebeller', which comes from the Latin 'rebellare'—meaning 'to wage war again'. It is composed of the prefix 're-' (again) and 'bellum' (war), originally referring to the renewal of hostilities by a conquered nation.