rebel

noun

UK/ˈreb.ᵊl/
US/ˈreb.ᵊl/

Definitions of rebel noun

  1. B2Countable

    A person who opposes the established political system of their country and attempts to change it through the use of force.

    • The insurgent forces seized the capital and established a new administration.

    • The rebel troops engaged in fierce combat with government forces.

    • A faction of rebels plotted to overthrow the regime.

  2. Countable

    An individual who demonstrates opposition to rules or authority through unconventional or defiant behavior.

    • During his teenage years, he was quite the rebel, sporting bright blue hair.

    • She had always been a rebel, questioning every established norm.

    • The actor is well-known for portraying rebel characters in movies.

verb

UK/rɪˈbel/
US/rɪˈbel/

Definitions of rebel verb

  1. B2Intransitive

    To engage in armed resistance against a government or established authority.

    • The populace rose up to rebel against the oppressive regime.

    • The peasants rebelled against the oppression of their landlords.

    • They planned to rebel and establish their own nation.

  2. Intransitive

    To defy or refuse to adhere to established rules or the directives of those in authority.

    • Lily rebelled against her parents' expectations and decided to pursue art.

    • The children began to rebel against the curfew their parents had set.

    • Many young adults choose to rebel against the traditional values of their parents.

  3. Intransitive

    To have a strong negative reaction to something, often a feeling, action, or idea.

    • My stomach rebelled when I saw the decaying meat.

    • Her body rebelled after a day of unhealthy food.

    • His mind rebelled at the thought of continuing to work.