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

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.

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

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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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"Exacerbating defendants' obstreperous conduct is their continued reliance on bogus arguments in papers and oral argument," Engoron wrote in the filing.

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