powstaniec

Powstaniec is a Polish term referring to a person who takes part in an uprising or insurrection. The word derives from powstanie, meaning “uprising,” with the agent-noun suffix -iec; it is gendered, with powstańczyni as the feminine form.

In Polish usage, powstańcy appear in many historical episodes. The term is used for participants in large-scale uprisings and resistance movements, ranging from the 19th century independence movements such as the November Uprising of 1830–1831 and the January Uprising of 1863–1864, to 20th-century resistance in World War II, notably the Warsaw Uprising of 1944. It is also used for regional uprisings, such as the Silesian Uprisings (1919–1921) and other local insurrections.

Roles of powstańcy can vary widely. They may be soldiers, irregular fighters, volunteers, or civilian participants organized into militias or underground resistance networks. The term emphasizes active participation in an organized effort to change political or social conditions, rather than mere support or sympathy.

Culturally and historically, powstańcy are commonly commemorated as defenders of national sovereignty and memory. They appear in biographies, memorials, literature, and public monuments, reflecting the importance attributed to uprisings in Polish historical consciousness. The feminine form powstańczyni is used when referring to female insurgents.