mutinous
Meaning: Refusing to obey the orders of a person in authority; inclined to mutiny or open rebellion, especially among soldiers or sailors.
Mutinous primarily describes military or naval insubordination — a 'mutinous crew' refuses to follow orders from their commanding officers. In broader usage, it can describe any group showing signs of rebellion against authority. 'A mutinous look,' 'mutinous troops,' and 'mutinous feelings' are common collocations. The word is particularly associated with British naval history, including the famous mutinies on HMS Bounty and at Spithead. It can also be used humorously of children or employees who resist instructions.
Examples
- The captain struggled to maintain discipline among his increasingly mutinous crew. 船长努力维持日益叛变的船员中的纪律。El capitán luchaba por mantener la disciplina entre su tripulación, cada vez más amotinada.船長は、ますます反抗的になる乗組員の間で規律を維持するのに苦労した。선장은 점점 반항적이 되어가는 선원들 사이에서 규율을 유지하는 데 어려움을 겪었다.
- A mutinous expression crossed her face when she was told she could not attend the party. 被告知不能参加聚会时,她脸上闪过一丝叛逆的表情。Una expresión de rebeldía le cruzó el rostro cuando le dijeron que no podía ir a la fiesta.パーティーに参加できないと告げられたとき、彼女の顔に反抗的な表情がよぎった。파티에 참석할 수 없다는 말을 들었을 때, 그녀의 얼굴에 반항적인 표정이 스쳤다.
- The mutinous soldiers seized the barracks and demanded negotiations with the commanding officer. 叛变的士兵占领了兵营,要求与指挥官进行谈判。Los soldados amotinados tomaron el cuartel y exigieron negociar con el oficial al mando.反乱を起こした兵士たちは兵舎を占拠し、指揮官との交渉を要求した。반란을 일으킨 병사들은 병영을 점거하고 지휘관과의 협상을 요구했다.
Pronunciation
Usage Guide
Context: literary, media, academic
Tone: negative
Origin & History
From obsolete French mutin (rebellious), from meute (a movement, revolt), from Latin movita, feminine past participle of movere (to move). The word entered English in the 16th century during a period of frequent military rebellions.
Cultural Context
Era: Modern
Generation: All ages
Social background: Universal
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