In'sur-rĕc'tion, n.

(ĭn'sur-rĕk'shun), n. [Lat. insurrectio, from insurgere, insurrectum; Fr. insurrection, Sp. insurreccion, It. insurrezione. See INSURGENT.] 1. A rising against civil or political authority; the open and active opposition of a number of persons to the execution of law in a city or state; a rebellion; a revolt. 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. 2. A rising in mass to oppose an enemy. [Rare.] Syn.—Sedition; rebellion; revolt.—INSURRECTION, SEDITION, REVOLT, REBELLION. Sedition is the raising of commotion in a state without aiming at open violence against the laws. Insurrection is a rising up 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. Rebellion is an extended insurrection and revolt. That sunshine brewed a shower for him That washed his father's fortunes forth of France, And heaped sedition on his crown at home. Shak. Insurrections of base people are commonly more furious in their beginnings. Bacon. He was greatly strengthened, and the enemy as much enfeebled, by daily revolts. Raleigh. Of their names in heavenly records now Is no memorial, blotted out and razed. By their rebellion, from the book of life. Milton.