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The Vocabulary Builder Workbook of Adjectives

Add 2,000 must-know adjectives to your vocabulary.

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obstreperous

IPA:

How to pronounce obstreperous (audio)

Dictionary definition of obstreperous

Noisy, unruly, and difficult to control, typically of a person who is defiant and offers resistance to restraint.
"The obstreperous teenager was constantly getting into trouble and defying authority."

Detailed meaning of obstreperous

It is often used to describe children who are disobedient or hard to manage, as well as animals that are difficult to train or tame. When something or someone is described as obstreperous, it implies a sense of disruption or disturbance, and can be seen as a negative trait. Obstreperous can also be used to describe a situation or environment that is chaotic or disorderly, such as an obstreperous crowd or an obstreperous workplace. Overall, obstreperous is a term used to describe something or someone that is noisy, unruly, and difficult to control, and is often associated with a lack of order or discipline.

Example sentences containing obstreperous

1. The obstreperous crowd refused to disperse peacefully.
2. His obstreperous behavior disrupted the entire classroom.
3. The toddler's obstreperous tantrum left his parents frazzled.
4. Dealing with the obstreperous protesters was a challenge.
5. She handled the obstreperous customer with grace.
6. The obstreperous music next door kept him awake all night.

History and etymology of obstreperous

The adjective 'obstreperous' has an interesting etymology that can be traced back to Latin. It originates from the Latin word 'obstreperus,' which is formed from 'ob,' meaning 'against,' and 'strepere,' meaning 'to make noise' or 'to be noisy.' So, 'obstreperous' literally means 'against being quiet' or 'noisy and disruptive.' Over time, this Latin term was adopted into English to describe individuals or situations that are noisy, unruly, and difficult to control, often of a person who is defiant and offers resistance to restraint. The etymology of 'obstreperous' thus highlights the strong association between noise and defiance, portraying a vivid picture of behavior that disrupts and challenges authority or order with its disruptive clamor.

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Further usage examples of obstreperous

1. His obstreperous outburst startled everyone in the room.
2. The obstreperous dog barked incessantly in the park.
3. The driver faced a fine for his obstreperous road rage.
4. The obstreperous team member resisted all attempts at cooperation.
5. The obstreperous child needed some disciplinary guidance.
6. The concertgoers became obstreperous during the performance.
7. The obstreperous protest turned into a chaotic scene.
8. Dealing with obstreperous passengers was part of his job.
9. The teacher struggled to manage the obstreperous class.
10. The bar patrons grew obstreperous as the night wore on.
11. Her obstreperous laughter echoed through the room.
12. The courtroom was filled with the obstreperous arguments of lawyers.
13. The neighbors complained about the obstreperous party next door.
14. His obstreperous conduct led to his removal from the premises.
15. The obstreperous children in the classroom were disrupting the lesson.
16. The dog was being obstreperous and barking at every passerby.
17. The party became too obstreperous for the neighbors to tolerate.
18. The toddler's obstreperous behavior was exhausting for his parents.
19. The soccer fans were becoming obstreperous after their team lost.
20. The horse was obstreperous and refused to be tamed.
21. The politician's obstreperous comments caused a controversy.
22. The students were reprimanded for their obstreperous behavior on the bus.
23. The music from the party was so obstreperous that it could be heard from several blocks away.
24. The protest became obstreperous when the police arrived.
25. The toddler's tantrum was so obstreperous that it caused a scene in the store.
26. The employees were warned about their obstreperous behavior in the office.

Character Traits and Behavior, Adversity and Obstacle, Gloom and Unpleasantness, Recklessness and Indulgence

boisterous,disorderly,disruptive,fractious,raucous,tumultuous,turbulent,unruly

noisy,rowdy,uncontrollable,undisciplined,unmanageable,wild

unruly, quiet, compliant, cooperative

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