Source : Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)

Insurrection \In`sur*rec"tion\, n. [L. insurrectio, fr.
   insurgere, insurrectum: cf. F. insurrection. See
   {Insurgent}.]
   1. A rising against civil or political authority, or the
      established government; open and active opposition to the
      execution of law in a city or state.

            It is found that this city of old time hath made
            insurrection against kings, and that rebellion and
            sedition have been made therein.      --Ezra iv. 19.

   2. A rising in mass to oppose an enemy. [Obs.]

   Syn: {Insurrection}, {Sedition}, {Revolt}, {Rebellion},
        {Mutiny}.

   Usage: Sedition is the raising of commotion in a state, as by
          conspiracy, without aiming at open violence against
          the laws. Insurrection is a rising of individuals to
          prevent the execution of law by force of arms. Revolt
          is a casting off the authority of a government, with a
          view to put it down by force, or to substitute one
          ruler for another. Rebellion is an extended
          insurrection and revolt. Mutiny is an insurrection on
          a small scale, as a mutiny of a regiment, or of a
          ship's crew.

                I say again, In soothing them, we nourish
                'gainst our senate The cockle of rebellion,
                insolence, sedition.              --Shak.

                Insurrections of base people are commonly more
                furious in their beginnings.      --Bacon.

                He was greatly strengthened, and the enemy as
                much enfeebled, by daily revolts. --Sir W.
                                                  Raleigh.

                Though of their names in heavenly records now Be
                no memorial, blotted out and razed By their
                rebellion from the books of life. --Milton.

Source : WordNet®

insurrection
     n : organized opposition to authority; a conflict in which one
         faction tries to wrest control from another [syn: {rebellion},
          {revolt}, {rising}, {uprising}]