stiff-necked
Americanadjective
-
having a stiff neck; having torticollis.
-
haughty and obstinate; refractory.
- Synonyms:
- pigheaded, willful, intractable, obstinate, stubborn
adjective
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of stiff-necked
First recorded in 1520–30
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Watson is in a perpetual state of stiff-necked choler tinged with snobbery — “I am better educated, more wealthy and stronger than you are,” he tells Bea, who is unmoved.
From Los Angeles Times ● Mar. 26, 2021
"I would argue that both governments have been excessively stiff-necked," Bunn says.
From Science Magazine ● Aug. 31, 2017
But America has a proud history of stiff-necked heroes.
From Washington Post ● Jan. 9, 2017
The people I grew up with were the descendants of stiff-necked troublemakers from County Mayo or the Abruzzi, men who never bowed to royalty — peasants to everyone but themselves.
From New York Times ● Jul. 14, 2014
I no longer sit stiff-necked, straight- backed, feet regimented side by side on the floor, eyes at the salute.
From "The Handmaid's Tale" by Margaret Atwood
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