Who are the rebels: a description of the word, synonyms

Who are the rebels, when they appeared, how to use this word? To these, at first glance, simple questions can not be answered by any adult. In everyday life, people rarely remember this word. However, it often sounds from the TV screens. To understand who the rebels are, you need to turn to the origins.

Origin of the word

"Rebel" is formed from the word "mutiny". It denotes an open revolt against any form of power. The first mutinies have been known since ancient times. The rebellious peasants rebelled against their lords. The very word came to our language from the ancient pristava dialects. Then did not know who the rebels were, but there was the word "mater" - that is, cause riots and confusion. This word was also used in the meaning of "bother". Then it began to be used in a certain way. It happened in the times of the Russian kingdom. At that time, the new state was rapidly expanding and conquering new territories. The conquered peoples could raise a revolt against the tsarist power. Those who raised their weapons to their masters were called rebels.

New value

Then this word had a more negative connotation. That is, if it was a matter of the rebels, then only in a negative way. Over time, the word became relatively neutral. And even for the one who had to be presented in the right light, official historiography used the definition of a rebel. Synonyms for this word are easy to find: a rebel, an insurgent, a revolutionary.

However, in a broader sense, this word can be used in a different context. To understand who the rebels are, you need to consider special cases. For example, a rebellious child is also sometimes called a rebel. The media like to use this word against politicians who run counter to the authorities. That is, a "rebel" can be called a person swimming against the current.