from
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
Insurrection \In`sur*rec"tion\, n. [L. insurrectio, fr.
insurgere, insurrectum: cf. F. insurrection. See
{Insurgent}.]
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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.
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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.
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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.
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I say again,
In soothing them, we nourish 'gainst our senate
The cockle of rebellion, insolence, sedition.
--Shak.
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Insurrections of base people are commonly more
furious in their beginnings. --Bacon.
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He was greatly strengthened, and the enemy as
much enfeebled, by daily revolts. --Sir W.
Raleigh.
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Though of their names in heavenly records now
Be no memorial, blotted out and razed
By their rebellion from the books of life.
--Milton.
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