Filibuster (noun)
fil-ib-ust-er
An action such as prolonged speaking which obstructs progress in a legislative assembly in a way that does not technically contravene the required procedures.
Late 18th century from French flibustier, first applied to pirates who pillaged the Spanish colonies in the West Indies. In the mid 19th century (via Spanish filibustero), the term denoted American adventurers who incited revolution in several Latin American states, whence filibuster (sense 2 of the noun). The verb was used to describe tactics intended to sabotage US congressional proceedings, whence filibuster (sense 1 of the noun).
Example sentences
“‘However, 60 votes are required to end a filibuster.’”
Appellative (adj) a-pel-a-tiv designative; descriptive. First recorded around 1375–1425 and comes via late Middle English from the Late Latin word appellātīvus. (more…)
Complot (noun) (verb) kom-plot a plot or conspiracy./ To plot together and conspire. C16: from Old French, of unknown origin (more…)
Irenic (adj) ahy-ren-ik tending to promote peace or reconciliation; peaceful or conciliatory. First recorded in 1860–65 and comes from the Greek word eirēnikós, equivalent to eirḗn(ē), “peace.” (more…)
Cacophony (noun) ku-kof-uh-nee harsh or unpleasant discordance of sound; dissonance. First recorded in 1650–60; from New Latin cacophonia, from Greek kakophōnía; equivalent to caco- + -phony (more…)
Abrade (verb) a-brayd to wear off or down by scraping or rubbing. 1670–80; Latin abrādere, equivalent to ab- ab- + rādere to scrape (more…)
Skiplagging (noun) skip-lag-ing the practice of purchasing an air ticket for a flight with a layover at one’s true destination, getting off at the layover point, and skipping the last…
Gambol (verb) gam-buhl to skip about, as in dancing or playing; frolic. (West Mids) (UK) (noun/verb) a somersault/ to do a somersault. First recorded around 1495–1505. Earlier forms included gambold,…
Collaborative (adj) kol-ab-or-at-iv characterized or accomplished by collaboration (working together) (more…)
Tutelage (noun) toot-lij instruction; teaching; guidance. First recorded around 1595–1605 and comes from the Latin word tūtēl(a), “guardianship,” which derived from the Latin verb tuērī, “to watch.” (more…)