sedition

noun

se·di·tion si-ˈdi-shən

: incitement of resistance to or insurrection against lawful authority

Example Sentences

The leaders of the group have been arrested and charged with sedition.

Recent Examples on the Web Speaking of sedition, jury selection began today in the biggest trial yet of those involved in the attack on the Capitol.

Teresa M. Hanafin, BostonGlobe.com, 27 Sep. 2022 He was suspected of committing acts of sedition, and was detained for questioning -- then released on bail pending investigation, police said.

Jessie Yeung, CNN, 21 Sep. 2022 All are accused of conspiring to engage in sedition, obstruct Congress’s affirmation of Biden’s victory and impede lawmakers from performing their official duties on Jan. 6.

Tom Jackman, Washington Post, 4 Nov. 2022 The charges were brought under the city’s British colonial-era laws against sedition, rather than the National Security Law imposed by China in June 2020 to stifle pro-democracy voices that had fueled mass unrest in the city.

Selina Cheng, WSJ, 1 Nov. 2022 Besides the national security law, a growing number of dissidents have also been charged for colonial-era sedition offenses.

Kanis Leung, ajc, 27 Oct. 2022 Prison terms ranged between four and 30 years for crimes that included sedition.

Patrick Oppmann, CNN, 15 Oct. 2022 Three associates have pleaded guilty to sedition; four will go to trial with him and four more in November.

Spencer S. Hsu, Washington Post, 7 Sep. 2022 See More

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'sedition.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Word History

Etymology

Middle English sedicioun, from Anglo-French sediciun, from Latin sedition-, seditio, literally, separation, from sed-, se- apart + ition-, itio act of going, from ire to go — more at secede, issue entry 1

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler

The first known use of sedition was in the 14th century

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Cite this Entry

Style

“Sedition.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sedition. Accessed 7 Dec. 2022.

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Kids Definition

sedition

noun

se·di·tion si-ˈdish-ən

: the stirring up of feelings against lawful authority

Legal Definition

sedition

noun

se·di·tion si-ˈdi-shən

: the crime of creating a revolt, disturbance, or violence against lawful civil authority with the intent to cause its overthrow or destruction compare criminal syndicalism, sabotage

seditious

-shəs

adjective

seditiously adverb