obstructionist
[uh b-struhk-shuh-nist]
- 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.
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Origin of obstructionist
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018
Examples from the Web for obstructionist
Contemporary Examples
In a divided Congress, each party can point its finger at the other and say: “Obstructionist!”
The country has soured on obstructionist politicians and the Tea Party in particular.
Ronald Reagan, like Obama and unlike FDR, rarely bullied party renegades or obstructionist opponents.
Across the aisle, “obstructionist,” “waste of time,” and “37 times” kept popping up.
The press coverage evoked memories of the inglorious end to Sanford's two terms as an obstructionist governor.
Historical Examples
Its policy has been that of an opportunist, at the best,—or an obstructionist, at the worst.
Civics and HealthWilliam H. Allen
Evidently each accuses the other of being an obstructionist.
A Tramp Abroad, CompleteMark Twain (Samuel Clemens)
Sykes had been an obstructionist in the legislature during the war.
Civil War and Reconstruction in AlabamaWalter L. Fleming
This one was very pretty, but an obstructionist nevertheless.
Mrs. Dorriman, Volume 2 of 3Julie Bosville Chetwynd
All of which gave the obstructionist at Golden a clear minute in which to determine what to do.
A Romance in TransitFrancis Lynde
obstructionist
- a person who deliberately obstructs business, esp in a legislature
- (as modifier)obstructionist tactics
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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 obstructionist
n.
1846, from obstruction + -ist.
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Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper