Obstreperous
Word of the Day
What is Obstreperous?
adjective
Noisy and difficult to control; aggressively boisterous.
Pronunciation
Why This Word?
Chosen to capture the tumult of crowds, classrooms, and politics.
Examples of Use
Here's how this word appears in everyday language:
The meeting dissolved into obstreperous shouting.
An obstreperous child refused to sit still.
Obstreperous crowds surged past the barriers.
Word Origins
Latin obstreperus “clamorous,” from ob- (against) + strepere (to make noise)
Often used for riotous behavior or disorderly protests.
First appearance in English: 17th century
Word Family
Related forms of this word:
-
Adjective:
A boisterous crowd filled the plaza.
-
Adjective:
Rowdy fans spilled into the streets.
-
Adjective:
Unruly behavior halted the concert.
Around the World
How this word appears in other languages:
- Spanish: alborotador / ruidoso
- French: tapageur / indiscipliné
- German: aufsässig und lärmend
- Italian: turbolento / rumoroso
- Portuguese: barulhento e indisciplinado
If you Already Know This Word
If you've mastered this word, try these more advanced alternatives:
Boisterous
Loud and lively; not necessarily defiant.
Recalcitrant
Defies authority; not always noisy.
Tumultuous
Suggests chaos; “obstreperous” highlights noisy resistance.
Fun Facts
- “Obstreperous” peaked in 19th–20th century prose but remains vivid today.
- Shares a root with “strepitus,” Latin for a loud noise or din.
Cultural Usage
- Charges may include “obstreperous conduct” during proceedings.
- Teachers develop strategies for obstreperous classes.
Common Mistakes
Sometimes confused with “boisterous”; “obstreperous” adds resistance.
Micro Story
Security removed the obstreperous hecklers from the hall.