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Rebellion, as most words in any language, is polysemic, that is, it will convey one or more meanings according to the actual verbal context and/or the situational context.  A basic dictionary usually refers to 1) the refusal to obey a de jure or de facto authority, 2) a group of rebels.  But the corresponding verb »to rebel« also means »to protest«.  As in any semantic study, contradictions are apparent:  when you rebel in the first sense, you seem to disobey a »legitimate« or established authority, whether a person or a government.  So rebellion extends from a non docile attitude to insurgency, through resistance and revolt.
 
 
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