obstinacy

[ob-stuh-nuh-see]

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noun, plural ob·sti·na·cies for 5.

the quality or state of being obstinate; stubbornness.

unyielding or stubborn adherence to one's purpose, opinion, etc.

stubborn persistence: The garrison fought on with incredible obstinacy.

resistance to cure, relief, or treatment, as a disease.

an instance of being obstinate; an obstinate act, viewpoint, etc.

Origin of obstinacy

1350–1400; Middle English < Medieval Latin obstinātia, derivative of Latin obstinātus (see obstinate); see -cy

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

Related Words for obstinacy

reluctance, determination, purpose, tenacity, obstinance

Examples from the Web for obstinacy

Contemporary Examples of obstinacy

We need your opposition, your obstinacy rather than a united Europe.
German Newspaper Tells Britain To Stay in EU Because They Love The Royals
Tom Sykes
January 24, 2013
And it makes the pettiness and obstinacy on display in the U.S. over these negotiations all the more unseemly.
Fiscal Cliff Stalemate Needs Two-Party Solution
Daniel Gross
December 10, 2012
Kennedy later said that his obstinacy in dealing with Nixon until it was too late was his single greatest regret.
A Short History of Health-Care Disasters
The Daily Beast
October 13, 2009

Historical Examples of obstinacy

And Mr. Solmes can't help your obstinacy: let that be observed too.
Clarissa, Volume 1 (of 9)
Samuel Richardson
As to the rest, you have by your obstinacy put it out of my power to do any thing for you.
Clarissa, Volume 1 (of 9)
Samuel Richardson
When your obstinacy is equal to any other person's passion, blame not your brother.
Clarissa, Volume 1 (of 9)
Samuel Richardson
Her ivory forehead was wrinkled charmingly in a little frown of obstinacy.
Within the Law
Marvin Dana
He had discovered courage in her and something uncommonly like obstinacy of mind.
The Foolish Lovers
St. John G. Ervine

British Dictionary definitions for obstinacy

obstinacy

noun plural -cies

the state or quality of being obstinate

an obstinate act, attitude, etc

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Word Origin and History for obstinacy

late 14c., from Medieval Latin obstinatia, from obstinatus (see obstinate).