Rebel

n. [Fr. rebelle, It. ribelle, ribello, O. Sp. rebelle, rebele, N. Sp. rebelde, from Lat. rebellis, making war again, rebellious, from rebellare, to wage war again, to rebel. See REBEL, v. i.] One who rebels; one who revolts from the government to which he owes allegiance, either by openly renouncing the authority of that government, or by taking arms and openly opposing it; one who defies and seeks to overthrow the authority to which he is rightfully subject; a revolter; an insurgent. “A fool, contending rebel.” Shak.

Synonyms—Revolter; insurgent.—REBEL, INSURGENT. Insurgent marks an early, and rebel a more advanced, stage of opposition to government. The former rises up against his rulers, the latter makes war upon them. A French writer remarks that out of a hundred insurgents, not more than ten usually hold out and become confirmed rebels.

His voice like thunder will support her cause, Enforce her dictates, and sustain her laws; Rich with her spoils, his sanction will dismay, And bid the insurgents tremble and obey. Falconer.

Shall man from Nature’s sanction stray, A rebel to her rightful sway? Fenton.

a. [Fr. rebelle, Pr. rebel, revel, Sp. rebelde. See supra.] Acting in revolt; rebellious; as, rebel troops.

Convict by flight, and rebel to all law. Milton.