A rebellion is an armed resistance to an established government. Those who participate in rebellions are rebels.
Other words for a rebellion include: revolt, uprising, insurrection, and insurgency. Some of these words, especially rebellion and revolt, often have a pejorative connotation while uprising or insurrection are preferred by rebels (insurgents, freedom fighters) themselves. Compare: mutiny, revolution.
For example, the Boxer rebellion was an uprising against Westerncommercial and political influence in China during the final years of the 19th century.
