Mutinous describes the attitude or behavior of people who refuse to obey authority and might even rebel against it. The word comes from mutiny, when sailors or soldiers openly defy their commanders and try to take control themselves.

When a crew becomes mutinous, they actively resist orders and may plot to overthrow their captain. In 1789, the crew of HMS Bounty became mutinous and seized their ship from Captain Bligh, setting him adrift in a small boat. That famous mutiny happened because the sailors felt the captain was cruel and unreasonable.

You'll also hear the word used more playfully. A teacher might joke about her mutinous class when students argue about homework, or parents might describe their kids as mutinous when they all refuse to go to bed. In these cases, the word adds drama to ordinary resistance.

The key difference between mutinous behavior and simple disagreement is the threat of rebellion. Questioning a coach's strategy is discussion. Refusing to follow any more instructions and trying to get others to join you crosses into mutinous territory. A mutinous mood in any group means authority is breaking down and conflict is brewing.