obstructionist

[ uh b-struhk-shuh-nist ]

/ əbˈstrʌk ʃə nɪst /

noun

a person who deliberately delays or prevents progress.

a person who delays or obstructs the business before a legislative body by parliamentary contrivances or legalistic maneuvers.

Nearby words

obstreperous, obstruct, obstructed testis, obstruction, obstructionism, obstructionist, obstructive, obstructive apnea, obstructive dysmenorrhea, obstructive hydrocephalus, obstructive jaundice

Origin of obstructionist

First recorded in 1840–50; obstruction + -ist

Related formsob·struc·tion·ism, nounob·struc·tion·is·tic, adjective

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

Examples from the Web for obstructionist

In a divided Congress, each party can point its finger at the other and say: “Obstructionist!”
Here’s What Happens When the GOP Takes Over the Senate|Michael Tomasky|April 30, 2014|DAILY BEAST
The country has soured on obstructionist politicians and the Tea Party in particular.
Ted Cruz Runs Against His Own Government Shutdown|Joe McLean|January 30, 2014|DAILY BEAST
Ronald Reagan, like Obama and unlike FDR, rarely bullied party renegades or obstructionist opponents.
Obama and Syria: Fighting the Wimp Factor|Gil Troy|September 18, 2013|DAILY BEAST
Across the aisle, “obstructionist,” “waste of time,” and “37 times” kept popping up.
Obamacare 37, Republicans 0: House GOP Loses Again on Repeal Vote|Michelle Cottle|May 17, 2013|DAILY BEAST

The press coverage evoked memories of the inglorious end to Sanford's two terms as an obstructionist governor.
Mark Sanford’s Formidable Opponent: Stephen Colbert’s Sister|Jack Bass|April 29, 2013|DAILY BEAST
She was regarded as one who was no obstructionist and who by sheer triviality added much to the gayety of nations.
Under the Law|Edwina Stanton Babcock
A permanent chief of staff might be an obstructionist or might become too perfunctory in compliance.
Letters from an Old Railway Official|Charles DeLano Hine
This one was very pretty, but an obstructionist nevertheless.
Mrs. Dorriman, Volume 2 of 3|Julie Bosville Chetwynd
All of which gave the obstructionist at Golden a clear minute in which to determine what to do.
A Romance in Transit|Francis Lynde
He has also the faith in tradition that makes an unlettered upper class narrow and obstructionist.
William Shakespeare|John Masefield

British Dictionary definitions for obstructionist

obstructionist

/ (əbˈstrʌkʃənɪst) /

noun

a person who deliberately obstructs business, esp in a legislature
(as modifier)obstructionist tactics

Derived Formsobstructionism, noun

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