Definition of rebel

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re·bel    (r-bl) KEY 

intr.v.
re·belled, re·bel·ling, re·bels

1. To refuse allegiance to and oppose by force an established government or ruling authority.
2. To resist or defy an authority or a generally accepted convention.
3. To feel or express strong unwillingness or repugnance: She rebelled at the unwelcome suggestion.

NOUN:
reb·el  (rbl) KEY 

1. One who rebels or is in rebellion: "He is the perfect recruit for fascist movements: a rebel not a revolutionary, contemptuous yet envious of the rich and involved with them" (Stanley Hoffman).
2. Rebel A Confederate soldier.

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ETYMOLOGY:
Middle English rebellen, from Old French rebeller, from Latin rebellre : re-, re- + bellre, to make war (from bellum, war). N., Middle English, rebellious, rebel from Old French rebelle, from Latin rebellis, from rebellre