Etymology Map
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Rebel

3 stages from Latin to English.

Today it means to rise in opposition to authority

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

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

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.