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civil disobedience

The definition of civil disobedience refers to the practice of breaking laws, usually in a non-violent way, as part of a protest because the laws are believed to be unfair or a violation of fundamental and inalienable human rights.

(noun)

An example of civil disobedience is when Rosa Parks refused to move to the back of the bus where African Americans were supposed to sit prior to the civil rights movement.

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See civil disobedience in Webster's New World College Dictionary

nonviolent opposition to a government policy or law by refusing to comply with it, on the grounds of conscience

See civil disobedience in American Heritage Dictionary 4

noun
Refusal to obey civil laws in an effort to induce change in governmental policy or legislation, characterized by the use of passive resistance or other nonviolent means.

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