revolter

Revolter is a noun that denotes a person who takes part in or leads a revolt or rebellion. In contemporary English, the term is rare and often considered archaic or literary; more common alternatives include rebel, insurgent, or insurrectionist.

Etymology and sense: Revolter derives from revolt, with the agent-noun suffix -er. Its usage traces to Early Modern English, when such agent nouns were more productive. The word emphasizes the act of rising in revolt and the role of the individual rather than the broader movement.

Usage: In historical writing and older fiction, revolter can appear as a neutral descriptor for a participant in a revolt. Today it is largely supplanted by more precise terms and may appear in discussions of historical uprisings or in stylized or period works. The term should not be confused with revolutions or with those who advocate systemic change in peaceful contexts.

See also: Rebel; Insurgent; Insurrection; Revolt; Uprising.