rebel

2 syllables · also rebelled, rebelling

Quick answer

As a noun, rebel means a person who resists an established authority, often violently. As a verb, it means resist or become defiant toward an authority.

Meanings of rebel

7 meanings

noun

A person who resists an established authority, often violently.
“A group of rebels defied the general's orders and split off from the main army.”
“My little sister is such a rebel - coming home late, piercing her ears, and refusing to do any of her chores.”
‘Johnny’ was applied as a nickname for Confederate soldiers by the Federal soldiers in the American Civil War; ‘greyback’ derived from their grey Confederate uniformsperson
Similar: Reb, Johnny Reb, Johnny, greyback
A person who takes part in an armed rebellion against the constituted authority (especially in the hope of improving conditions)person
Similar: insurgent, insurrectionist, freedom fighter
Someone who exhibits great independence in thought and actionperson
Similar: maverick

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

verb

To resist or become defiant toward an authority.
“to rebel against the system”
Take part in a rebellion; renounce a former allegiance
Similar: arise, rise, rise up
Break with established customs
Similar: renegade

Meanings from Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0) and Open English WordNet (CC BY 4.0).