1. One who revolts from the government to which he owes allegiance, either by openly renouncing the authority of that government, or by taking arms and openly opposing it. A rebel differs from an enemy, as the latter is one who does not owe allegiance to the government which he attacks. Num 17.
2. One who willfully violates a law.
3. One who disobeys the king's proclamation; a contemner of the king's laws.
4. A villain who disobeys his lord.
REB'EL, a. Rebellious; acting in revolt.
REBEL', v.i. [L. rebello, to make war again; re and bello.]
1. To revolt; to renounce the authority of the laws and government to which one owes allegiance. Subjects may rebel by an open renunciation of the authority of the government, without taking arms; but ordinarily, rebellion is accompanied by resistance in arms.
Ye have built you an altar, that ye might rebel this day against the Lord. Josh 22. Isa 1.
2. To rise in violent opposition against lawful authority.
How could my hand rebel against my heart? How could your heart rebel against your reason?
