filibuster
U.S. Politics.
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.
an exceptionally long speech, as one lasting for a day or days, or a series of such speeches to accomplish this purpose.
a member of a legislature who makes such a speech.
an irregular military adventurer, especially one who engages in an unauthorized military expedition into a foreign country to foment or support a revolution.
U.S. Politics. to impede legislation by irregular or obstructive tactics, especially by making long speeches.
to act as an irregular military adventurer, especially for revolutionary purposes.
U.S. Politics. to impede (legislation) by irregular or obstructive tactics, especially by making long speeches.
Origin of filibuster
1Other words from filibuster
- 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 Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2024
British Dictionary definitions for filibuster
/ (ˈfɪlɪˌbʌstə) /
the process or an instance of obstructing legislation by means of long speeches and other delaying tactics
Also called: filibusterer a legislator who engages in such obstruction
a buccaneer, freebooter, or irregular military adventurer, esp a revolutionary in a foreign country
to obstruct (legislation) with delaying tactics
(intr) to engage in unlawful and private military action
Origin of filibuster
1Derived forms of filibuster
- filibusterer, noun
- filibusterism, 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
Cultural definitions for filibuster
[ (fil-uh-bus-tuhr) ]
The New Dictionary of Cultural Literacy, Third Edition Copyright © 2005 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.
Browse