`Johnny' was applied as a nickname for Confederate soldiers by the Federal soldiers in the American Civil War; `greyback' derived from their grey Confederate uniforms
"The Federal troops called Johnny 'rebel,' while his grey uniform earned him the moniker 'greyback.'"
a person who takes part in an armed rebellion against the constituted authority (especially in the hope of improving conditions)
"The rebel led his followers to attack the government palace, hoping their uprising would force the regime to grant political freedom."
A person who resists an established authority, often violently
"The rebel general surrendered his army before the final battle began."
a Confederate soldier; of the Confederate States of America; of the American Civil War
In plain English: A rebel is someone who refuses to follow rules and does what they want instead of obeying authority figures.
"The rebellious teenager decided to skip school on Friday afternoons."
Usage: Use the noun form to describe someone actively resisting authority, such as in political uprisings, while distinguishing it from "rebellion," which refers to the act itself rather than the individual. When referring to a specific group of dissenters, you may also use terms like "insurgent" or "dissident" depending on whether violence is involved.
To resist or become defiant toward an authority.
"The young soldier refused to follow orders and openly rebelled against his commanding officer."
In plain English: To rebel means to openly refuse to obey rules or authority figures because you disagree with them.
"The younger generation often rebels against strict rules and traditional expectations."
The word "rebel" comes from the Middle English and Old French forms of a Latin term meaning to wage war again or fight back. It entered English with its current sense of insurrection derived directly from this original idea of fighting against authority once more.