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

Republicans would be dumb and hurt the country by breaking the filibuster.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Mills wants to keep the filibuster, which would likely mean no Democratic president could pass meaningful legislation to improve people’s lives.

Read more on Salon

But Republicans were able to block the bill in the Senate, even though it had majority support, due to that chamber’s filibuster rules.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Congress’ positions on procedural issues, such as raising the debt ceiling or eliminating the filibuster, also increasingly depend not on bedrock principles but on who occupies the White House.

Read more on Salon

They argue they passed a "clean CR" — a temporary funding bill — and blame the gridlock on Democrats wielding the "filibuster," the 60-vote threshold required to get legislation through the 100-member Senate.

Read more on Barron's

Related Words

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