Revolt

/rɪˈvəʊlt/

verbmediumCommonGeneral

Definitions

4 meanings
1

To rebel against authority or a controlling force; to break free from control.

/rɪˈvəʊlt/

verbnegativemedium
General

To rise in rebellion; to take violent action against an established government or ruler.

The citizens revolted after the king imposed unreasonable taxes.

💡 Simply: Imagine a group of kids deciding they've had enough of the rules and deciding to say, 'No!' in a big way. It's like that, but on a bigger scale, when people don't like their government and decide to take action.

👶 For kids: When people are very angry with the ruler, they might revolt and fight against them.

More Examples

2

The prisoners revolted against the guards in a desperate attempt to escape.

3

The workers revolted against the company's new, unfair policies.

How It's Used

Political Science

"The people revolted against the tyrannical regime."

History

"The peasants revolted due to unfair taxation."

2

A rebellion against established authority; an act of defiance.

/rɪˈvəʊlt/

nounnegativemedium
General

An act of rebellion; a violent uprising against authority.

The revolt was quickly suppressed by the army.

💡 Simply: Think of it as a big, messy, and probably noisy 'No!' to whoever's in charge. It's when a lot of people get super mad and decide they've had enough and take action.

👶 For kids: When people get really, really mad at the boss (like a king or a leader) and start a fight to get rid of them.

More Examples

2

The king was overthrown in a bloody revolt.

3

The economic crisis led to a widespread revolt across the country.

How It's Used

Politics

"The government feared a revolt by the disgruntled population."

Social Science

"The revolt was sparked by economic inequality."

Tip:Picture a picture of angry people storming a castle, that represents a revolt.
3

To feel or express strong disgust or aversion.

/rɪˈvəʊlt/

verbnegativemedium
General

To feel or express disgust or strong disapproval.

The smell of the garbage revolted her.

💡 Simply: Think of a time when something made you feel really grossed out, like you wanted to gag. That feeling, that feeling of 'Yuck!' is what it means to revolt. For example, if you don't like vegetables, and someone is forcing you to eat a plate full of them, this makes you revolt.

👶 For kids: When something makes you feel super yucky, like you want to throw up.

More Examples

2

His cruel behavior revolted the others in the group.

3

The thought of eating raw fish revolted him.

How It's Used

Literary

"Her stomach revolted at the sight of the spoiled food."

Personal

"I revolted at the idea of eating snails."

Tip:Imagine your stomach turning over when thinking of something you hate; this is to revolt.
4

A feeling of extreme disgust or aversion.

/rɪˈvəʊlt/

nounnegativemedium
General

The feeling of disgust or strong disapproval.

The sight of the blood caused a feeling of revolt.

💡 Simply: It's that feeling when something is so gross or unpleasant that it almost makes you sick. It's a really strong sense of 'Ew, no way!'

👶 For kids: When something makes you feel super yucky on the inside.

More Examples

2

A wave of revolt washed over him when he thought of the task.

3

The news triggered a general revolt in the public.

How It's Used

Psychology

"She felt a revolt in her stomach at the thought of it."

Informal

"The experience triggered a revolt in her."

Tip:Picture a face contorting in disgust, indicating a revolt.

Idioms & expressions

a revolt of

Describes something causing strong feelings of disgust.

"The smell of the garbage was a revolt of the senses."

From Middle French *revolter*, from Italian *rivoltare* ('to turn over'), from *ri-* + *voltare* ('to turn'), from Latin *volvere* ('to roll').

The word 'revolt' has been used in English since the 16th century, primarily to denote an act of rebellion or uprising.

Memory tip

Remember the Vikings yelling, 'Re-volt!' as they rose against the kingdom.

revolterevolts

Usage

40%Spoken
60%Written