Sedition Meaning
/səˈdɪʃən/Definition, CEFR level C1, pronunciation, examples, and quiz.
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Definition
nounOrganized incitement of rebellion or civil disorder against authority or the state, usually by speech or writing.
nounInsurrection or rebellion.
Sentence Examples
Sedition laws are usually used to persecute peaceful left-wing activists.
CEFR Practice Quiz
The rebel leader was charged with ____ for urging people to revolt.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
The pamphlet was banned for inciting ____ against the government.
Word Origin & History
From Old French sedicion, from Latin sēditiō (“sedition, discord”), from sēd- (“apart”) (an alternative form of sē-) + itiō (“going”).
Literary Quotations & Historical Citations
"That search may be made in the book of the records of thy fathers: so shalt thou find in the book of the records, and know that this city is a rebellious city, and hurtful unto kings and provinces, and that they have moved sedition within the same of old time: for which cause was this city destroyed."
— 1611, The Holy Bible, […] (King James Version), London: […] Robert Barker, […], →OCLC, Ezra 4:15:
"But there are also strong objections to such a plan. It is not to be doubted, that a single man of prudence and good sense is better fitted, in delicate conjunctures, to balance the motives which may plead for and against the remission of the punishment, than any numerous body whatever. It deserves particular attention, that treason will often be connected with seditions which embrace a large proportion of the community; as lately happened in Massachusetts."
— 1788, Publius [pseudonym; Alexander Hamilton], “Number LXXIII”, in The Federalist: A Collection of Essays, Written in Favour of the New Constitution, […] , volume II, New York, N.Y.: […] J. and A. M‘Lean, […], →OCLC:
"The prejudice against Indian settlers outside India is showing itself in a variety of ways: Under the impudent suggestion of sedition the Fiji Government has deported Mr. Manilal Doctor who with his brave and cultured wife has been rendering assistance to the poor indentured Indians of Fiji in a variety of ways."
— 1922, Mohandas K. Gandhi, Freedom's Battle, Treatment of Indians Abroad:
Explore More C1 Vocabulary Words
CEFR Practice Quiz
The rebel leader was charged with ____ for urging people to revolt.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
The pamphlet was banned for inciting ____ against the government.