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filibuster
[ fil-uh-buhs-ter ]
noun
- U.S. Politics.
- the use of irregular or obstructive tactics by a member of a legislative assembly to prevent the adoption of a measure generally favored or to force a decision against the will of the majority.
- an exceptionally long speech, as one lasting for a day or days, or a series of such speeches to accomplish this purpose.
- a member of a legislature who makes such a speech.
- an irregular military adventurer, especially one who engages in an unauthorized military expedition into a foreign country to foment or support a revolution.
verb (used without object)
- U.S. Politics. to impede legislation by irregular or obstructive tactics, especially by making long speeches.
- to act as an irregular military adventurer, especially for revolutionary purposes.
verb (used with object)
- U.S. Politics. to impede (legislation) by irregular or obstructive tactics, especially by making long speeches.
filibuster
/ ˈɪɪˌʌə /
noun
- the process or an instance of obstructing legislation by means of long speeches and other delaying tactics
- Also calledfilibusterer a legislator who engages in such obstruction
- a buccaneer, freebooter, or irregular military adventurer, esp a revolutionary in a foreign country
verb
- to obstruct (legislation) with delaying tactics
- intr to engage in unlawful and private military action
Derived Forms
- ˈھˌܲٱ, noun
- ˈھˌܲٱ, noun
Other Word Forms
- ھi·ܲt· noun
- ھi·ܲt· noun
- ھi·ܲt·dzܲ adjective
- t·ھi·ܲt noun adjective
Word History and Origins
Origin of filibuster1
Word History and Origins
Origin of filibuster1
Example Sentences
Some accused him of overlooking the Democrats’ role in subverting democratic norms, citing, for example, President Obama’s embrace of executive power, or the Democratic attempt to filibuster Neil Gorsuch’s nomination to the Supreme Court.
For legislation to get through the Senate, it normally needs 60 votes, otherwise, a single senator can block it with a filibuster.
Like the filibuster’s fabled power, free speech is treasured most when you’re the minority party, shut out of power.
The measure then moved to the Senate, where Republicans need Democrats’ help to reach the 60-vote threshold necessary for it to pass without a filibuster.
The situation has left Senate Democrats with a decision to make, given their ability to stop the passage of the CR through the Senate with a filibuster, which would require 60 votes to defeat.
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