to stage an armed uprising; to defect to a righteous cause
Meanings
2 senses · 6 examplesverb
to stage an armed uprising; to revolt
formalTypically refers to large-scale, organized rebellions against an oppressive or reactionary ruling power, often with the goal of establishing a new order. A key term in Chinese history and political discourse.
Chen Sheng and Wu Guang led the first large-scale peasant uprising in Chinese history at the end of the Qin Dynasty.
The Nanchang Uprising marked the beginning of the Communist Party of China's independent leadership of armed struggle.
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This novel depicts a failed armed uprising.
verb
to defect to the just side; to turn one's coat
formalOften used in military or political contexts, describing soldiers, officers, or political figures abandoning a corrupt or unjust faction to join the righteous or morally superior side.
At the critical moment, he led his entire division to defect at the front and join the people's army.
Many enlightened Kuomintang officers and soldiers defected one after another, going over to the liberated areas.
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His act of defection greatly shook the enemy's morale.