\In`sur*rec"tion\, n. [L. insurrectio, fr.
insurgere, insurrectum: cf. F. insurrection. See
{Insurgent}.]
1. A rising against civil or political authority, or the
   established government; open and active opposition to the
   execution of law in a city or state.
         It is found that this city of old time hath made
         insurrection against kings, and that rebellion and
         sedition have been made therein.      --Ezra iv. 19.
2. A rising in mass to oppose an enemy. [Obs.]
Syn: {Insurrection}, {Sedition}, {Revolt}, {Rebellion},
     {Mutiny}.
Usage: Sedition is the raising of commotion in a state, as by
       conspiracy, without aiming at open violence against
       the laws. Insurrection is a rising of individuals to
       prevent the execution of law by force of arms. Revolt
       is a casting off the authority of a government, with a
       view to put it down by force, or to substitute one
       ruler for another. Rebellion is an extended
       insurrection and revolt. Mutiny is an insurrection on
       a small scale, as a mutiny of a regiment, or of a
       ship's crew.
             I say again, In soothing them, we nourish
             'gainst our senate The cockle of rebellion,
             insolence, sedition.              --Shak.
             Insurrections of base people are commonly more
             furious in their beginnings.      --Bacon.
             He was greatly strengthened, and the enemy as
             much enfeebled, by daily revolts. --Sir W.
                                               Raleigh.
             Though of their names in heavenly records now Be
             no memorial, blotted out and razed By their
             rebellion from the books of life. --Milton.