sedition Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. noun an illegal action inciting resistance to lawful authority and tending to cause the disruption or overthrow of the government

WordNet

Se*di"tion noun
Etymology
OE. sedicioun, OF. sedition, F. sédition, fr. L. seditio, originally, a going aside; hence, an insurrectionary separation; pref. se-, sed-, aside + itio a going, fr. ire, itum, to go. Cf. Issue.
Definitions
  1. The raising of commotion in a state, not amounting to insurrection; conduct tending to treason, but without an overt act; excitement of discontent against the government, or of resistance to lawful authority.
    In soothing them, we nourish 'gainst our senate The cockle of rebellion, insolence, sedition. Shak.
    Noisy demagogues who had been accused of sedition. Macaulay.
  2. Dissension; division; schism. Obs.
    Now the works of the flesh are manifest, . . . emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies. Gal. v. 19, 20.
    Syn. -- Insurrection; tumult; uproar; riot; rebellion; revolt. See Insurrection.

Webster 1913