n. [ L. insurrectio, fr. insurgere, insurrectum: cf. F. insurrection. See Insurgent. ] [ 1913 Webster ] 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. [ 1913 Webster ] 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. [ 1913 Webster ] 2. A rising in mass to oppose an enemy. [ Obs. ] Syn. -- Insurrection, Sedition, Revolt, Rebellion, Mutiny. 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. [ 1913 Webster ] I say again, In soothing them, we nourish 'gainst our senate The cockle of rebellion, insolence, sedition. Shak. [ 1913 Webster ] Insurrections of base people are commonly more furious in their beginnings. Bacon. [ 1913 Webster ] He was greatly strengthened, and the enemy as much enfeebled, by daily revolts. Sir W. Raleigh. [ 1913 Webster ] Though of their names in heavenly records now Be no memorial, blotted out and razed By their rebellion from the books of life. Milton. [ 1913 Webster ] |