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What is obstreperous?

Published in Vocabulary 2 mins read

Obstreperous means marked by unruly or aggressive noisiness, or stubbornly resistant to control.

Understanding "Obstreperous"

The word "obstreperous" describes behavior that is both noisy and difficult to manage or control. It often implies a deliberate defiance of authority or rules.

Key Aspects of Obstreperous Behavior:

  • Unruly Noisiness: This involves loud and disruptive behavior, often creating a disturbance. Think of shouting, arguing loudly, or making excessive noise.
  • Stubborn Resistance: This highlights the refusal to obey or be controlled. An obstreperous individual is not simply being loud; they are actively resisting attempts to manage their behavior.

Examples of Obstreperous Behavior:

  • An obstreperous argument might involve raised voices, insults, and a refusal to listen to the other person's point of view.
  • Obstreperous merriment could be a party that gets excessively loud and disruptive, disturbing neighbors or public peace.
  • An obstreperous child might throw tantrums, refuse to follow instructions, and generally be difficult to manage.
  • Obstreperous protestors might shout down speakers or block traffic, actively resisting attempts to control their demonstrations.

Synonyms for Obstreperous:

Some words with similar meanings to "obstreperous" include:

  • Boisterous
  • Rambunctious
  • Unruly
  • Defiant
  • Rowdy
  • Clamorous

In Summary

"Obstreperous" describes behavior characterized by both aggressive noisiness and a strong resistance to being controlled, making it a powerful word to describe disruptive and defiant actions.