insubordination

noun an-süb-or-dee-nah-SYON Rare

Origin: from Latin in- (not) + subordinatio (subordination)

Also means

defiance of authority

Usage Note

Insubordination refers to the refusal to obey a legitimate authority — commonly used in military, professional, and school contexts. It is a formal, often legalistic term; in everyday speech désobéissance or refus d'obéir are more common alternatives. In French military law, insubordination is a specific offence with defined penalties, and the word often appears in disciplinary proceedings.

Examples

"Le soldat a été sanctionné pour insubordination."

Natural Translation

The soldier was disciplined for insubordination.

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