filibuster
UK: ˈfɪlɪbʌstə | US: ˈfɪləˌbʌstər
n. 1. A prolonged speech or series of speeches made to delay legislative action.
n. 2. A person who engages in such obstructionist tactics.
v. 3. To obstruct legislation by giving prolonged speeches.
filibuster = filib<freebooter/pirate> + uster<agent suffix>
- filib<freebooter/pirate>: Derived from Dutch "vrijbuiter" (freebooter, pirate), via Spanish "filibustero." Originally referred to pirates or mercenaries disrupting order.
- uster<agent suffix>: A suffix indicating a person engaged in an activity (similar to "-ster" in "gangster").
Etymology Origin:
The word evolved from Dutch "vrijbuiter" (plunderer) to Spanish "filibustero," describing pirates in the Caribbean. In the 19th century, American legislators adopted "filibuster" metaphorically for political obstruction—likening lengthy speeches to pirate-like disruption of proceedings. The suffix "-ster" reinforces the agentive role.
The senator staged a 12-hour filibuster to block the bill.
Filibusters are a controversial tactic in the U.S. Senate.
She criticized the use of filibusters as undemocratic.
The bill failed due to relentless filibustering by the opposition.
Historical filibusters often involved reading unrelated texts aloud.