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filibuster

[fil-uh-buhs-ter]

Phonetic (Standard)IPA

noun

U.S. Politics.��
1. 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.
2. an exceptionally long speech, as one lasting for a day or days, or a series of such speeches to accomplish this purpose.
3. 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

/ ˈ��ɪ��ɪˌ��ʌ��ə /

noun

the process or an instance of obstructing legislation by means of long speeches and other delaying tactics
Also called: filibusterer.��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

filibuster

A strategy employed in the United States Senate, whereby a minority can delay a vote on proposed legislation by making long speeches or introducing irrelevant issues. A successful filibuster can force withdrawal of a bill. Filibusters can be ended only by cloture.

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Other Word Forms

filibusterer noun
filibusterism noun
filibusterous adjective
antifilibuster noun
ˈ�ھ��ˌ��ܲ��ٱ�� noun
ˈ�ھ��ˌ��ܲ��ٱ�� noun

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Word History and Origins

Origin of filibuster¹

First recorded in 1580–90; from Spanish filibustero, from Middle French flibustier, variant of fribustier; freebooter

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Word History and Origins

Origin of filibuster¹

C16: from Spanish filibustero , from French flibustier probably from Dutch vrijbuiter pirate, literally: one plundering freely; see _freebooter

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Example Sentences

Examples have not been reviewed.

A highly caffeinated New Jersey Sen. Cory Booker, of 25-hour filibuster fame, summoned past glories and urged Democrats to find their way back to the party’s grounding principles, then fight from there.

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This process notably allows federal legislators to bypass a filibuster and requires only a simple majority to repeal federal rules rather than the typical 60 votes.

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Even in past attempts with significant Democratic support, the filibuster killed the push, and it could do the same in 2025.

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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.

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For legislation to get through the Senate, it normally needs 60 votes, otherwise, a single senator can block it with a filibuster.

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Related Words

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obstruction��
procrastination��

filibeg filicide

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