rebel

Where does the word "rebel" come from? It comes from Latin rebellare, passing through Old French before entering English (1300s).

Rebel’s story begins in Latin: rebellare meant “to renew war.” 're-', again, plus 'bellum', war. By medieval, the word had taken hold in Old French as rebelle. Conquered peoples who rose again against Rome. It reached English by 1300s as rebel. 'rebel without a cause' is a 1955 film title. Today, rebel means to rise in opposition to authority.

1. Stage 1 · Latin · ancient rebellare "to renew war", 're-', again, plus 'bellum', war.
2. Stage 2 · Old French · medieval rebelle "to revolt", conquered peoples who rose again against Rome.
3. Stage 3 · English · 1300s rebel "to revolt", 'rebel without a cause' is a 1955 film title.