Dissent - Definition

For the political magazine, see Dissent Magazine

For the G8 protest group, see Dissent (network)

Dissent is the sentiment of non-agreement with the majority, or the leader, of a group to which the "dissenter" is supposed to belong or to obey. It is the opposite of agreement, consensus and consent.

The term is most often used when this sentiment is combined with a more or less militant action of expressing such opinion, especially when this results in (or threatens to result in) oppression, a more personal stance than is referred to by political opposition.

Such personal dissent can be a driving force for social development, but can also be a road to isolation and defeat.

Related topics

• political dissent
• civil disobedience
• dissident
• faction
• Noam Chomsky
• spin-off
• whistleblower
• contrarian
• Rock Against Bush