rebel

/ˈɹɛb.əl/

Proposed by a contributor, not yet supported by evidence.

Also seen as: rebels · rebelling · rebelled

Sense 1

Meaning · English

A person who resists an established authority, often violently.

Noun

Examples

A group of rebels defied the general's orders and split off from the main army.

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Sense 2

Meaning · English

Synonym of Confederate: a citizen of the Confederate States of America, especially a Confederate soldier.

NounRegister: US

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Sense 3

Meaning · English

To resist or become defiant toward an authority.

Verb

Examples

to rebel against the system

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Sense 4

Meaning · English

To forcefully subvert the law of the land in an attempt to replace it with another form of government.

Verb

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Common questions

What does “rebel” mean?

A person who resists an established authority, often violently.

Is “rebel” formal or informal?

No register label has been reviewed yet — treat it as neutral and check the usage notes above.