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 ]

a. [ Cf. F. insurrectionnel. ] Pertaining to insurrection; consisting in insurrection. [ 1913 Webster ]

a. Pertaining to, or characterized by, insurrection; rebellious; seditious. [ 1913 Webster ]

Their murderous insurrectionary system. Burke. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. One who favors, or takes part in, insurrection; an insurgent. [ 1913 Webster ]