filibuster

[fil-uh-buhs-ter]

noun

1. U.S. Politics.

   1. the use of irregular or obstructive tactics by a member of a legislative assembly to prevent the adoption of a measure generally favored or to force a decision against the will of the majority.

   2. an exceptionally long speech, as one lasting for a day or days, or a series of such speeches to accomplish this purpose.

   3. a member of a legislature who makes such a speech.

2. an irregular military adventurer, especially one who engages in an unauthorized military expedition into a foreign country to foment or support a revolution.

verb (used without object)

1. U.S. Politics.,  to impede legislation by irregular or obstructive tactics, especially by making long speeches.

2. to act as an irregular military adventurer, especially for revolutionary purposes.

verb (used with object)

1. U.S. Politics.,  to impede (legislation) by irregular or obstructive tactics, especially by making long speeches.

filibuster

/ ˈfɪlɪˌbʌstə /

noun

1. the process or an instance of obstructing legislation by means of long speeches and other delaying tactics

2. Also called: filibusterer. a legislator who engages in such obstruction

3. a buccaneer, freebooter, or irregular military adventurer, esp a revolutionary in a foreign country

verb

1. to obstruct (legislation) with delaying tactics

2. (intr) to engage in unlawful and private military action

filibuster

1. A strategy employed in the United States Senate, whereby a minority can delay a vote on proposed legislation by making long speeches or introducing irrelevant issues. A successful filibuster can force withdrawal of a bill. Filibusters can be ended only by cloture.

Other Word Forms

• filibusterer noun
• filibusterism noun
• filibusterous adjective
• antifilibuster noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of filibuster¹

First recorded in 1580–90; from Spanish filibustero, from Middle French flibustier, variant of fribustier; freebooter

Word History and Origins

Origin of filibuster¹

C16: from Spanish filibustero , from French flibustier probably from Dutch vrijbuiter pirate, literally: one plundering freely; see _freebooter

Example Sentences

The Republican Senate majority, meanwhile, has to contend with the filibuster, so Democrats could, in theory, force a shutdown all by themselves.

From Salon

His Capitol Hill allies also tried in 2017 to repeal the tax code’s constraint on churches’ political activity but failed to attract the 60 Senate votes needed to overcome a filibuster.

From Salon

In 2021, Democrats in Congress attempted to pass a bill banning partisan gerrymandering, but the bill died in the Senate due to a Republican filibuster and Democratic opposition to work around or abolish the filibuster.

From Salon

At Reid’s behest, the Senate narrowly voted to change its rules and disallow the filibustering of presidential nominees.

From Los Angeles Times

And throughout the decades before the Civil War, there were numerous “filibusters”: expeditions by private, freebooting U.S. citizens to take over portions of Central America, Mexico, Cuba and even Canada.

From Salon

Related Words

• delaying tactic www.thesaurus.com
• obstruction 
• procrastination