restive

[res-tiv]

adjective

1. impatient of control, restraint, or delay, as persons; restless; uneasy.

   Synonyms: unquiet, nervous
   Antonyms: quiet, patient

2. refractory; stubborn.

   Synonyms: obstinate, disobedient, recalcitrant
   Antonyms: tractable, obedient

3. refusing to go forward; balky.

   a restive horse.

restive

/ ˈrɛstɪv /

adjective

1. restless, nervous, or uneasy

2. impatient of control or authority

Other Word Forms

• restively adverb
• restiveness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of restive¹

1375–1425; rest ² + -ive; replacing late Middle English restif stationary, balking < Old French: inert

Word History and Origins

Origin of restive¹

C16: from Old French restif balky, from rester to remain

Example Sentences

Jihadists linked to the Islamic State attacked an army base in Nigeria's restive north with grenades and drones killing seven soldiers, and littered a key highway with explosives, military sources told AFP Saturday.

Read more on Barron's

The Conservatives’ customary rival, the Labour Party, is grinding through a crisis of its own as Prime Minister Keir Starmer faces restive backbenchers and a dissolving electoral base.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

So when a restive Sarah, on one of their protected calls, gently prods for a smidgen of personality from her mysterious unseen helper, one is inclined to shout, “No feelings! Too risky!”

Read more on Los Angeles Times

An Italian priest gave a talk at the gathering which had brought together people to discuss ways to find, and live in, peace in the restive Great Lakes region.

Read more on BBC

But last week's attacks have, yet again, shattered any idea of lasting peace in the restive valley.

Read more on BBC

Related Words

• agitated 
• fractious 
• jittery 
• recalcitrant 
• restless 
• tense 
• uneasy 
• unruly