Etymology From Middle English rebel, rebell, from Old French rebelle, from Latin rebellis (“waging war again; insurgent”), from rebellō (“to wage war again, fight back”), from re- (“again, back”) + bellō (“to wage war”).
1
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.
2
US, Historical Synonym of Confederate: a citizen of the Confederate States of America, especially a Confederate soldier.
Etymology From Middle English rebellen, from Old French rebeller, from Latin rebellō (“to wage war again, fight back”), from re- (“again, back”) + bellō (“to wage war”). Doublet of revel.
1
To resist or become defiant toward an authority.
to rebel against the system
"Tedd's feeling a bit rebellious." "I'm not rebelling! I'm self actualizing! By rebelling."2014 April 17, Dan Shive, El Goonish Shive (webcomic), Comic for Thursday, Apr 17, 2014:
2
Government, Politics To forcefully subvert the law of the land in an attempt to replace it with another form of government.