Definition

Describing someone who resists authority or control, often by behaving in a way that challenges rules or norms.

Example

The rebellious teenager often questioned the rules set by her parents.

Conversation

I heard that the new student is really rebellious about the school rules.

Yeah, I saw him arguing with the teachers in class.

Do you think being rebellious is a good thing sometimes?

It can be, especially if it leads to positive change.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Rebellious → It is formed from "re-" (meaning again) and "bellare" (meaning to wage war). The word describes someone who wages war against authority or rules again, indicating a tendency to resist or defy established norms.

Memory Tip

Think of someone who is 'waging war' ('bellare') against rules 'again' ('re-') — that's why rebellious means resisting authority.

Visually Confused Words