obstructionist

[ uhb-struhk-shuh-nist ]

noun

1. a person who deliberately delays or prevents progress.
2. a person who delays or obstructs the business before a legislative body by parliamentary contrivances or legalistic maneuvers.

obstructionist

/ əbˈstrʌkʃənɪst /

noun

1. 1. a person who deliberately obstructs business, esp in a legislature
   2. ( as modifier )

      obstructionist tactics

Derived Forms

• obˈstructionism, noun

Other Words From

• ob·struction·ism noun
• ob·struction·istic adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of obstructionist¹

First recorded in 1840–50; obstruction + -ist

Example Sentences

The absence of Sinema is almost metaphorical as she has become the target of ire for progressives who view her as an obstructionist to their agenda in the Senate.

From Washington Blade

By lowering the costs of obstruction, the rule change gave birth to the “silent” filibuster, laying bare the obstructionist tactic for what it is.

From Washington Post

If Democrats are getting small businesses and families things that they need and Republicans are obstructionists, I think that Democrats could buck the historical trend.

From Washington Post

It promotes irrational, obstructionist politics and increases the divide between Americans.

From Washington Post

In a divided Congress, each party can point its finger at the other and say: “Obstructionist!”

From The Daily Beast

The country has soured on obstructionist politicians and the Tea Party in particular.

From The Daily Beast

Ronald Reagan, like Obama and unlike FDR, rarely bullied party renegades or obstructionist opponents.

From The Daily Beast

And finally, this week, they saw that they can be something other than totally obstructionist, and the world will still spin.

From The Daily Beast

Across the aisle, “obstructionist,” “waste of time,” and “37 times” kept popping up.

From The Daily Beast

And you, sir, have lived an unimaginative obstructionist and never can hope now to emerge from it.

From Project Gutenberg

Sykes had been an obstructionist in the legislature during the war.

From Project Gutenberg

This one was very pretty, but an obstructionist nevertheless.

From Project Gutenberg

Viewed from the standpoint of the populace, he was a selfish, cross-grained old obstructionist.

From Project Gutenberg

During the Melbourne administration from 1835 to 1841 he figured conspicuously as an obstructionist in the House of Lords.

From Project Gutenberg