obstinacy
[ob-stuh-nuh-see]
- 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.
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Origin of obstinacy
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018
Examples from the Web for obstinacy
Contemporary Examples
We need your opposition, your obstinacy rather than a united Europe.
And it makes the pettiness and obstinacy on display in the U.S. over these negotiations all the more unseemly.
Kennedy later said that his obstinacy in dealing with Nixon until it was too late was his single greatest regret.
Historical Examples
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 LawMarvin Dana
He had discovered courage in her and something uncommonly like obstinacy of mind.
The Foolish LoversSt. John G. Ervine
obstinacy
- the state or quality of being obstinate
- an obstinate act, attitude, etc
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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
n.
late 14c., from Medieval Latin obstinatia, from obstinatus (see obstinate).
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Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper