Rebel
/ˈrɛbəl/
Definitions
2 meaningsA person who resists authority, control, or convention.
/ˈrɛbəl/
A person who resists authority or control.
The rebels launched an attack against the ruling regime.
💡 Simply: Imagine a superhero who doesn't follow the rules of the bad guys. A rebel is like that, someone who stands up and says, 'I'm not doing what you want!'
👶 For kids: A rebel is someone who doesn't want to do what they're told, like if you don't want to eat your vegetables!
More Examples
She was known as a rebel in her youth, always questioning authority.
The group of rebels sought to overthrow the corrupt government.
How It's Used
"The rebels fought against the government forces."
"She was considered a rebel for challenging social norms."
To resist authority, control, or convention; to rise up against.
/rɪˈbɛl/
To resist authority or control.
The citizens rebelled against the unjust laws.
💡 Simply: Think about a time you didn't want to do what your parents told you. To rebel is to act like that—to push back and refuse to follow the rules.
👶 For kids: To rebel means to say 'no' and not do what you're told, like when you don't want to go to bed.
More Examples
Teenagers often rebel against their parents' rules.
The soldiers rebelled after not being paid for months.
How It's Used
"The students rebelled against the school's new policy."
"The people rebelled against the oppressive regime."
Synonyms
Idioms & expressions
a rebel yell
A loud shout or scream, often associated with defiance or excitement.
"The team let out a rebel yell after scoring the winning goal."
From Old French *rebelle*, from Latin *rebellis* ('rebellious, insurgent'), from *re-* ('again') + *bellum* ('war').
The word 'rebel' has been used in English since the 14th century to describe those who defy authority, with early references often related to political uprising.
Memory tip
Think of a REBEL as someone who BREAKS the rules.