'insubordination' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'insubordinatio,' where 'in-' meant 'not' and 'subordinare' meant 'to subordinate.'

'insubordinatio' transformed into the French word 'insubordination,' and eventually became the modern English word 'insubordination' through Middle English.

Initially, it meant 'not being subordinate,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'refusal to obey orders or show respect for authority.'