obstructionism
noun
ob·struc·tion·ism
| \ əb-ˈstrək-shə-ˌni-zəm
, äb-\
, äb-\
Definition of obstructionism
: deliberate interference with the progress or business especially of a legislative body
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Other Words from obstructionism
obstructionist
\ əb-ˈstrək-sh(ə-)nist
, äb- \
noun or adjective
, äb- \
noun or adjective
obstructionistic
\ əb-ˌstrək-shə-ˈni-stik
, äb- \
adjective
, äb- \
adjective
Examples of obstructionism in a Sentence
They accused the other political party of obstructionism.
Recent Examples on the Web
The American public sees through the pure hateful harassment and obstructionism of Dems who can’t swallow being beat by a reality show host. — Dp Opinion, The Denver Post, "Letters: DIA debacle; Misuse of office; Reality taking hold; Don’t drink, don’t smoke … (6/3/19)," 3 June 2019 But the president must also make gains among voters by offering new policy proposals and drawing attention to Democratic obstructionism. — Karl Rove, WSJ, "The Shutdown and the Next Election," 16 Jan. 2019 Clinton’s obstructionism simply added additional weight to our conviction. — Ken Starr, WSJ, "The Impeached President," 31 Aug. 2018 Then pivot back to the conservative base by blaming the left for its obstructionism. — Aziz Huq, Vox, "The faulty legal logic behind Trump’s birthright citizenship proposal.," 31 Oct. 2018 Related Some Republicans fear another contentious and possibly unsuccessful effort would muddy their message on health—that despite Democratic obstructionism in blocking repeal, the GOP has done its best to chip away at the ACA in smaller ways. — Siobhan Hughes, WSJ, "New Push to Topple Affordable Care Act Looms," 25 May 2018 To do so would be a mistake, for Mr. Halevi is a fierce defender of Israel’s sovereignty as well as a clear-eyed observer of Palestinian obstructionism and disingenuousness. — Daphne Merkin, WSJ, "‘Letters to My Palestinian Neighbor’ Review: Empathy With the Stranger," 7 June 2018 Boehner resigned before that vote could be taken — citing his frustration with obstructionism. — Emily L. Mahoney, miamiherald, "What does the Congressional voting record of this GOP candidate for governor tell us?," 5 July 2018 But now, red-state Democrats waging tough re-election battles will have to spend all of August and September and October on the campaign trail answering hard questions about their complicity in Schumer's obstructionism. — Jay Willis, GQ, "Why Justice Kennedy’s Retirement Is Even Worse Than You Think," 27 June 2018These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'obstructionism.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
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More Definitions for obstructionism
obstructionism
noun
English Language Learners Definition of obstructionism
formal
: things that are done to stop or delay the progress of a legal or political process
See the full definition for obstructionism in the English Language Learners Dictionary