Nearby Words

filibustering

[fil-uh-buhs-ter] Origin

fil·i·bus·ter

[fil-uh-buhs-ter]
noun
1.
U.S. Politics.
a.
the use of irregular or obstructive tactics by a member of a legislative assembly to prevent the adoption of a measure generally favored or to force a decision against the will of the majority.
b.
an exceptionally long speech, as one lasting for a day or days, or a series of such speeches to accomplish this purpose.
c.
a member of a legislature who makes such a speech.
2.
an irregular military adventurer, especially one who engages in an unauthorized military expedition into a foreign country to foment or support a revolution.
verb (used without object)
3.
U.S. Politics. to impede legislation by irregular or obstructive tactics, especially by making long speeches.
4.
to act as an irregular military adventurer, especially for revolutionary purposes.

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Filibustering is always a great word to know.
So is lollapalooza. Does it mean:
an extraordinary or unusual thing, person, or event; an exceptional example or instance.
a stew of meat, vegetables, potatoes, etc.
verb (used with object)
5.
U.S. Politics. to impede (legislation) by irregular or obstructive tactics, especially by making long speeches.

Origin:
1580–90; < Spanish filibustero < Middle French flibustier, variant of fribustier; see freebooter

fil·i·bus·ter·er, noun
fil·i·bus·ter·ism, noun
fil·i·bus·ter·ous, adjective
an·ti·fil·i·bus·ter, noun, adjective
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2012.
Cite This Source Link To filibustering
Etymonline
Word Origin & History

filibuster
1580s, flibutor "pirate," probably ultimately from Du. vrijbuiter "freebooter," used of pirates in the West Indies as Sp. filibustero and Fr. flibustier, either or both of which gave the word to Amer.Eng. (see freebooter). Used 1850s and '60s of lawless adventurers from
EXPAND
the U.S. who tried to overthrow Central American countries. The legislative sense is first recorded c.1851, probably because obstructionist legislators "pirated" debate. Not technically restricted to U.S. Senate, but that's where the strategy works best. Related: Filibustered; filibustering.
COLLAPSE
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper
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American Heritage
Cultural Dictionary
filibuster [(fil-uh-bus-tuhr)]

A strategy employed in the United States Senate, whereby a minority can delay a vote on proposed legislation by making long speeches or introducing irrelevant issues. A successful filibuster can force withdrawal of a bill. Filibusters can be ended only by cloture.

The American Heritage® New Dictionary of Cultural Literacy, Third Edition
Copyright © 2005 by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
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Encyclopedia Britannica
Encyclopedia

filibustering

originally, in U.S. history, the attempt to take over countries at peace with the United States via privately financed military expeditions, a practice that reached its peak during the 1850s. In U.S. legislative usage, the term refers to obstructive delaying tactics (see filibuster).

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Encyclopedia Britannica, 2008. Encyclopedia Britannica Online.
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