Definition of revolution

The word "revolution" originates from the Latin term "revolutio," which means "a turning around" or "a reversal." The concept of revolution has its roots in ancient Greece and Rome, where it referred to the turning of the sky or the earth. The modern sense of revolution as a radical change or overthrow of a government or social order emerged in the 14th century. The term was popularized during the Renaissance and the Age of Exploration, where it referred to the cyclical movements of celestial bodies and the idea of change and renewal. In the 17th and 18th centuries, the concept of revolution gained traction, particularly during the English Civil War and the French Revolution. The word "revolution" became closely associated with the idea of political and social upheaval, and is now widely used to describe a range of movements and events aimed at transforming society.