Seditious

Seditious is an adjective used to describe language, writings, or actions that are intended to incite rebellion against, or resistance to, the authority of a state or other established government. It can refer to expressions that advocate disobedience, disruption of public order, or the overthrow of lawful authority. The label is often applied to political treatises, speeches, newspapers, or other public communications perceived as promoting insurrection.

In legal contexts, seditious offenses historically encompassed seditious libel and acts aimed at destabilizing the government. Modern laws, where they exist, tend to target incitement to violence, overt calls for rebellion, or attempts to undermine the state through unlawful means. Across jurisdictions, statutes and standards vary widely, and many places have narrowed or repealed broad sedition provisions in favor of protecting freedom of expression while punishing direct harm or incitement.

Etymology and usage notes: seditious derives from Latin seditiosus, from seditio meaning insurrection or tumult. In everyday language, the term conveys disapproval of speech or conduct that seeks to challenge the authority of the state. In liberal democracies, high thresholds for intent and likelihood of causing imminent lawless action often limit the criminalization of seditious speech, reflecting a balance between public order and free expression.

See also: sedition, seditious libel, treason, incitement.