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noun

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tyranny - Cruel and oppressive government or rule

Josef Stalin was a brutal ruler whose tyranny killed millions of people. (related noun: Tyrant).

noun

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renegade - A person who deserts and betrays an organization, country, or set of principles

Benedict Arnold became an infamous renegade when he betrayed the Americans during the Revolutionary War.

verb

See noun

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ambush - To suddenly attack someone after hiding and waiting for them:

The brigade walked quietly to the hidden spot on the hill, patiently until the enemy walked in the valley below, so that they could ambush the unsuspecting enemy, who were taken by surprise.

verb

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mutiny - To refuse to obey orders, in an open revolt or uprising against leadership or control.

In 1789 the crew of the HMS Bounty decided to mutiny against their captain, partially because they wanted to stay in beautiful Tahiti.

noun

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rebel - A person who rises in opposition or armed resistance against an established government or ruler

In the late 1700s, rebels like George Washington fought against the tyrannical British in order to establish America.

noun

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warrior - A brave or experienced soldier or fighter.

The Mongol army conquered so much of the world because they had a warrior mentality and a warrior spirit.

noun

See verb

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ransom - A sum of money or other payment demanded or paid for the release of a someone held as a prisoner.

The family was able to raise the large sum of money that was demanded as ransom for their son.

noun

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bulwark - A defensive wall

The soldiers had planned to attack, but the bulwark fortification that the enemy had built around themselves was too high to climb, and there didn't seem to be any way over, around, or through.

noun

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barrage - A continuous attack over a long period of time

The British were inspired by Winston Churchill's words to maintain their spirit in spite of the barrage of bombing by German planes during the Battle of Britain.

noun

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atrocity - An extremely wicked or cruel act, typically one involving physical violence or injury

In a terrible atrocity, after winning the battle the victorious army set fire to the enemy's village, killing most of its inhabitants.

verb

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enslave - To control someone completely, limiting their freedom.

In history, millions of people were enslaved and denied basic human rights.

noun

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skirmish - A brief and usually unplanned fight during a war

When a skirmish developed with the British army, the Revolutionaries had to make do with what weapons they had with them at the time.