obstreperous

[uhb-strep-er-uhs]

adjective

1. resisting control or restraint in a difficult manner; unruly.

   Synonyms: refractory, uncontrolled
   Antonyms: obedient

2. noisy, clamorous, or boisterous.

   obstreperous children.

   Antonyms: calm

obstreperous

/ əbˈstrɛpərəs /

adjective

1. noisy or rough, esp in resisting restraint or control

Other Word Forms

• obstreperously adverb
• obstreperousness noun
• obstreperosity noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of obstreperous¹

First recorded in 1590–1600; from Latin obstreperus “clamorous,” akin to obstrepere “to make a noise at” ( ob- ob- + strepere “to rattle”); -ous

Word History and Origins

Origin of obstreperous¹

C16: from Latin, from obstrepere, from ob- against + strepere to roar

Example Sentences

Whether it is dealing with opponents at home or obstreperous foreign governments, Beijing’s first instinct is often to intimidate, threaten and, when possible, to compel.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

The backlash in the obstreperous legislature prompted his resignation a day later.

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Even at 77, he is no more than an obstreperous child, and an unhinged and dangerous one at that.

Read more on Salon

The next day, he remembered nothing but feeling remorseful — he knew from experience that he was a mean, obstreperous drunk.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

She voted for Joe Biden, not because she was particularly thrilled with the Democrat but because he wasn’t the obstreperous incumbent.

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