What does insubordination mean?

Pronunciation

/ɪnˌsʌbɔːrdɪˈneɪʃən/

Part of Speech

Noun

Definition

The act of disobeying or refusing to obey authority, often in a deliberate or intentional manner.

Examples

The soldier was court-martialed for insubordination.
The student was sent to the principal’s office for showing insubordination towards the teacher.

Synonyms

Disobedience
Defiance

Antonyms

Obedience
Compliance

Additional Information

Insubordination can take many forms, including refusal to follow orders, arguing with authority figures, or engaging in deliberate acts of disobedience. It is often seen as a challenge to authority and can result in disciplinary actions. Insubordination can be a serious offense in certain contexts, such as in the military or law enforcement.

Insubordination can also be a term used to describe a broader attitude or mentality, where an individual consistently challenges authority or refuses to follow rules. This can be seen as a positive trait in certain contexts, such as in activism or social change movements.

Etymology

The word “insubordination” comes from the Latin words “in” meaning “not” and “subordinare” meaning “to place under”. It has been used in the English language since the 15th century to describe the act of disobeying authority.

Usage Notes

Insubordination is often used in formal or official contexts, such as in the military, law enforcement, or in workplaces. It can also be used in more informal contexts, such as in social relationships or in describing a person’s attitude or behavior.

Cultural References

Insubordination has been portrayed in various forms of media, such as in films, literature, and music. Examples include the film “A Few Good Men”, where a soldier is court-martialed for insubordination, and the novel “Catch-22”, where a character’s insubordination leads to a series of events.

Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases

There are several idiomatic expressions that include the word “insubordination”, such as “an act of insubordination” or “a show of insubordination”. These phrases are often used to describe a deliberate or intentional act of disobedience.

Related Words or Phrases

Words or phrases related to insubordination include disobedience, defiance, rebellion, and noncompliance. These words all describe acts of refusing to obey authority or follow rules.

Collocations

Insubordination often collocates with words such as “authority”, “orders”, “rules”, and “commands”. It can also be used with words such as “disciplinary”, “action”, or “consequences” to describe the outcomes of insubordination.

Frequency of Use

Insubordination is a relatively uncommon word in modern language, but it is often used in formal or official contexts. It has been used more frequently in recent years, particularly in discussions of social justice and activism.