Sometimes, the challenge in a situation does not arise from complexity but rather from the presence of noise and resistance. For example, consider a situation where one student in a class continues to make noise while the teacher tries to lecture.
Such a behaviour, where there is too much disturbance or noise, and resistance can be described as obstreperous.The term is typically used to refer to people or situations characterised by noise and loud protest or defiance.
What does obstreperous mean
Obstreperous describes someone noisy, difficult to manage, and resistant to control, often creating disturbance.
Pronunciation of obstreperous
- Pronounced: ob-STREP-er-us
- Phonetic spelling: /əbˈstrɛpərəs/
- The stress falls on the second syllable, “STREP.”
Origin of the word obstreperous
The term obstreperous derives from obstreperus, a Latin word meaning either “noisy” or “clamorous.”
This is a word that is rooted in obstrepere, an expression signifying “to make a noise” or “to protest noisily.”The English term was first introduced into the language during the seventeenth century to denote boisterousness or unruliness. Gradually, however, its meaning became extended to include those whose difficulty of control was due to unruliness and boisterousness.
How to use obstreperous in a sentence
- It was difficult for the teacher to handle the obstreperous students.
- The demonstration became obstreperous as the protesters grew more agitated.
- He became obstreperous as he refused to back down on his claims.
- The session was disrupted by an obstreperous band of attendees.
Synonyms of obstreperous
- Noisy
- Unruly
- Disruptive
- Boisterous
- Rowdy
Antonyms of obstreperous
- Quiet
- Calm
- Obedient
- Well-behaved
- Compliant
