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insurgency

Upper-Intermediate (B2)

IPA: /ɪnˈsɜːrdʒənsi/

KK: /ɪnˈsɜr.dʒən.si/

noun
Definition

A situation where a group of people rises up against a government or authority, often in a violent way, but is not as organized as a full revolution.


Example

The country faced a serious insurgency that challenged the government's control.


Conversation
Sloth A
Did you hear about the recent insurgency in that country?
Sloth B
Yeah, it's been all over the news lately.
Sloth A
It's crazy how quickly these situations can escalate into an insurgency.
Sloth B
I know, it's really concerning to see how it affects so many lives.

Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
rebellion
uprising
insurgence
Antonyms
loyalty
submission
compliance
Root Explanation

Insurgency is formed from "in-" (meaning against) and "surgere" (meaning to rise). The term describes a movement that rises up against an established authority or government.

Memory Tip

Think of a movement that 'rises up' ('surgere') 'against' ('in-') something, which helps you remember that insurgency refers to a rebellion or uprising.

Visually Confused Words
surgeoncy
urgency
resurgency
indulgency
assurgency
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