| English Dictionary |
OBSTREPEROUS
| Pronunciation (US): |  | (GB): | |
Dictionary entry overview: What does obstreperous mean?
• OBSTREPEROUS (adjective)
The adjective OBSTREPEROUS has 2 senses:
1. noisily and stubbornly defiant
2. boisterously and noisily aggressive
Familiarity information: OBSTREPEROUS used as an adjective is rare.
Dictionary entry details
Sense 1
Meaning:
Noisily and stubbornly defiant
Context example:
obstreperous boys
Similar:
defiant; noncompliant (boldly resisting authority or an opposing force)
Derivation:
obstreperousness (noisy defiance)
Sense 2
Meaning:
Boisterously and noisily aggressive
Context example:
kept up an obstreperous clamor
Similar:
aggressive (having or showing determination and energetic pursuit of your ends)
Derivation:
obstreperousness (noisy defiance)
Context examples
Mamma was an abject slave to their caprices, but Papa was not so easily subjugated, and occasionally afflicted his tender spouse by an attempt at paternal discipline with his obstreperous son.
(Little Women, by Louisa May Alcott)
| Learn English with... Proverbs |
"Complete idiot who can keep silent, to a wise man is similar" (Breton proverb)
"He beat me and cried, and went before me to complain." (Arabic proverb)
"As you make your bed, so you must lie in it." (Czech proverb)