rebelarse
verbCEFR B2
What does “rebelarse” mean in English?
to rebel, to revolt
to rebel, to revolt (rebelarse contra + noun — defy authority; always reflexive)
Example sentences
Los ciudadanos comenzaron a rebelarse contra las restricciones impuestas tras años de protestas ignoradas.
Citizens began to rebel against the restrictions imposed after years of ignored protests.
El personaje se rebela contra las expectativas familiares a lo largo de toda la novela.
The character rebels against family expectations throughout the entire novel.
How to use it
Rebelarse (contra) means 'to rebel' or 'to revolt'. Always reflexive; followed by contra + noun. More formal than sublevarse and less violent-sounding than amotinarse. Common in political, historical, and social discourse at B2.
Common mistake
Rebelarse is always reflexive — never *rebelar without se. Takes contra (not *de). Distinguish from protestar (voice objection without physical defiance) and sublevarse (more military/violent uprising).