What does mutiny mean?
A mutiny is an organized act of defiance in which soldiers, sailors, or another disciplined group refuses to obey the authority overseeing it. The term usually suggests a serious challenge to command, involving a collective refusal to perform duties or follow orders rather than an individual act of insubordination. Historically, mutinies have occurred aboard ships, in armies, in prisons, and in other tightly controlled institutions, often prompted by harsh treatment, poor conditions, or political grievances. As a verb, “to mutiny” describes the collective act itself. In ordinary conversation, the word can also be used for any dramatic refusal by a group to continue complying with a system or instruction, but its strongest associations remain with military and nautical contexts. Its consequences can range from formal punishment and court-martial to changes in leadership or the collapse of authority.
An uprising or act of open resistance by soldiers, sailors, or another organized group against those in authority, especially an attempt to refuse duty or compel changes in command.
"The mutiny was ended after the ship's officers negotiated with the crew."
The term is especially associated with military units, crews, prisoners, and other groups governed by formal discipline.
To refuse collectively to obey the orders of commanding officers or other authorities, especially by soldiers or sailors.
"The crew threatened to mutiny if the captain did not turn the ship back."
Usually used with a group acting together rather than with an individual refusing an order.
The standard plural adds -ies to form “mutinies.”
"The archives contain records of several naval mutinies during the nineteenth century."
A mutiny begins when obedience becomes untenable: the crew, soldiers, or other disciplined group collectively refuses to obey the people controlling it.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of mutiny
The word comes through Old French from the Latin verb mutinari, meaning “to be rebellious” or “to mutiny,” with roots associated with mutus, meaning “silent” or “mute.” English “mutiny” has long been used for collective resistance by sailors and soldiers, while “mutineer” and “mutinous” were formed from the same French and English base.
Related word forms
How mutiny is actually used
The word is most commonly associated with a formal or military group acting together. In general use, it can also refer more broadly to collective resistance by employees, students, or other members of an organization, though it often conveys greater disorder or defiance than a routine protest.
Easily confused with mutiny
A mutiny is typically a sudden uprising by soldiers, sailors, or members of an organized group against their immediate commanders, whereas a rebellion can be a broader movement against a government or dominant authority.