obstreperous

UK: əbˈstrep.ər.əs | US: əbˈstrep.ɚ.əs

Definition

  1. adj. noisy and difficult to control

  2. adj. stubbornly resistant to authority

Structure
ob <against>streper <noise>ous <adjective suffix>
Etymology

Derived from Latin obstreperus (noisy), combining ob- (against) and strep- (from strepere, meaning "to make a noise"). The suffix -ous turns it into an adjective. Originally describing loud, unruly behavior, it evolved to imply defiance or resistance to control, reflecting the disruptive nature of noise.

Examples

  1. The obstreperous crowd refused to leave the stadium after the game.

  2. Her obstreperous behavior in class led to frequent reprimands.

  3. The politician struggled to silence the obstreperous protesters.

  4. Despite warnings, the obstreperous dog barked all night.

  5. Managing an obstreperous team requires patience and firmness.