What does mutinous mean?
Mutinous means rebellious, insubordinate, or unwilling to obey recognized authority. It is especially associated with soldiers, sailors, and other groups whose refusal to follow orders amounts to a challenge to discipline. In a historical or literary context, the word can describe a revolt, uprising, or organized defiance by members of an institution, such as a mutinous crew or a mutinous army. Its connotation is generally negative: mutinous behavior suggests disloyalty, danger, or the breakdown of legitimate command rather than ordinary disagreement or peaceful protest. The adjective comes from the Latin mutinus, an ancient term associated with rebellion and political change, and is related etymologically to words such as mutation and mutable. Although mutiny names the rebellion as an act, mutinous describes the people or conduct involved in it.
adjectiveRebellious or insubordinate, especially in refusing to obey legitimate authority. The word is used particularly of soldiers, sailors, or members of a group who revolt against their leaders.
- Rebellious or insubordinate, especially in refusing to obey legitimate authority.
"The mutinous crew refused to sail until their demands were met."
"The mutinous members of the committee demanded an immediate vote on the proposal."
"The novel portrays a mutinous society in which ordinary citizens challenge the ruling order."
Mutinous comes from the Latin mutinus, a word associated with rebellion and change—fitting for language that turns a crew against its captain.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does mutinous come from?
Mutinous comes from Latin mutinus, an ancient term associated with rebellion and political change, and is related etymologically to words such as mutation and mutable. It entered English in the early 17th century, initially in the context of political rebellion, and later became especially common in descriptions of soldiers or sailors who resisted their officers. The related noun mutiny and the verb mutiny developed from the same historical vocabulary.
Related word forms
How mutinous is actually used
Usually applied to soldiers, sailors, prisoners, or organized groups. It can be formal or literary and often carries a strongly critical or disapproving tone.
Easily confused with mutinous
A mutiny is the act or rebellion itself, whereas mutinous describes people or conduct that resists lawful authority.