Mutiny Meaning and Definition

: Mutiny

Mutiny

Pronunciation

/ˈmjuːtɪni/

Part of Speech

Noun

Definition

A rebellion or uprising by a group of people, often occurring on a ship, in a military unit, or within a group, characterized by a sudden and violent change of allegiance or disobedience to authority.

Examples

  • The crew staged a mutiny against the captain after he demanded they sail closer to enemy shores.
  • The protesters organized a peaceful mutiny to bring attention to their demands.

Synonyms

  • Rebellion
  • Uprising
  • Insurrection

Antonyms

  • Loyalty
  • Obedience
  • Conformity

Etymology

The word “mutiny” originates from the Old French “mution,” meaning “change” or “revolution,” and is derived from the Latin “mutare,” meaning “to change.”

Usage Notes

When using the word “mutiny,” it’s important to note that it often carries a sense of illegality and disobedience. Be mindful of the context in which you’re using the word to avoid confusion or misinterpretation.

Cultural References

Mutiny has appeared in numerous forms of media, including films like “Mutiny on the Bounty” and “A Night to Remember,” as well as in literature, such as Herman Melville’s “Billy Budd.” It has also been depicted in music, in songs like “Mutiny in September” by The Who.

Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases

“The mutiny has begun” is a common idiomatic phrase used to describe a sudden and tumultuous change in a situation.

Related Words or Phrases

Other words closely related to “mutiny” include “rebellion,” “insurrection,” and “uprising.”

Collocations

Mutiny often collocates with words like “crew,” “ship,” “military,” and “rebellion.”

Frequency of Use

The word “mutiny” is relatively rare in modern language, but it can be found in historical and literary contexts, as well as in news articles and media reports.

Common Misspellings

Common misspellings of the word “mutiny” include “mutanna” and “mutana.”

Related Words