sedition

Definitions

sed- (a form of se- 'apart, aside') + it (go) = a going-apart. Sedition is a 'walking away' from lawful authority — a faction breaking off and stirring up revolt. The prefix se-/sed- means separation, so the picture is people splitting off and turning against the state.

Why It Means This

sedition keeps the old prefix se-/sed- meaning 'apart' — the same se- in separate, secede, and seclude. The original Latin seditio pictured a faction literally 'going apart,' splitting off from the body politic and rising up. Today it is a legal term, milder than treason: stirring up rebellion through words, short of actually waging war on the state.

Common Collocations

• 1.charged with sedition被控煽动叛乱
• 2.incite sedition煽动叛乱
• 3.sedition law煽动叛乱法
• 4.accused of sedition被指控煽动叛乱

Example Sentences

• 1.

  He was arrested and charged with sedition.

• 2.

  The pamphlet was banned for spreading sedition.

• 3.

  Critics warned that the new law treated dissent as sedition.

Easily Confused

sedition vs treason — both are crimes against the state, but treason is the graver one: actually betraying or making war on your country. sedition is the lesser charge: inciting others toward rebellion, usually through speech or writing, before any war is waged.