Who are the rebels when they appeared, how to use this word? These, at first glance, simple questions can not be answered by every adult. In everyday life, people rarely remember this word.
However, it often sounds from TV screens. To understand who the rebels are, you need to turn to the origins.
Origin of the word
"Rebels" is formed from the word "rebellion". It signifies open rebellion against any form of power. The first rebellions have been known since ancient times. The rebellious peasants rebelled against their lords. The very same word came to our language from ancient Pre-Slavic dialects. At that time, they did not know who the rebels were, but the word was βmatyatβ - that is, to cause unrest and confusion. This word was also used to mean "disturb." Then they began to use it in a well-known manner. It happened during the time of the Russian Empire. The new state at that time rapidly grew and conquered new territories. The conquered peoples could raise a rebellion against the imperial power. Those who raised weapons to their masters were called rebels.
New value
Then this word had a more negative connotation. That is, if it was a question of rebels, then only in a negative way.
Over time, this word became relatively neutral. And even for someone who needed to be presented in the right light, official historiography used the definition of a rebel. It is not difficult to find synonyms for this word: a rebel, a rebel, a revolutionary.
However, in a broader sense, this word can be used in a different context. To understand who the rebels are, one needs to consider special cases. For example, a rebellious child is also sometimes called a rebel. The media love to use this word in relation to politicians who go against the authorities. That is, a "rebel" can be called a person swimming against the tide.