Definition

1. Adjective:
   • Noisily and aggressively defiant or unruly: Describes someone or something that is difficult to control and makes a lot of noise while being resistant or defiant.
   • Boisterously and clamorously disruptive: Characterized by loud, rough, and energetic behavior that causes disturbance.

Usage

• The word obstreperous is used to describe people, especially children or crowds, and occasionally animals or things, that are uncontrollably noisy and unruly. It implies a stubborn, defiant quality in the noisiness.
• It is a formal word, often found in written descriptions or critiques.

Examples

• The teacher struggled to manage the obstreperous class after the fire drill.
• An obstreperous crowd gathered outside the courthouse, shouting and jostling.
• The debate was hijacked by a few obstreperous participants who refused to follow the rules.
• The obstreperous toddler threw a tantrum in the middle of the supermarket aisle.

Advanced Usage

• "to be obstreperous": to behave in a noisy, defiant, and difficult-to-control manner.
  • The defendant was warned by the judge for being obstreperous during the proceedings.
• "obstreperousness" (noun form): the quality or state of being obstreperous.
  • The principal addressed the obstreperousness of some students during assembly.

Variants and Related Words

• Obstreperously (adverb): In a noisy and defiantly unruly manner.
  • The protesters chanted obstreperously outside the gates.
• Obstreperousness (noun): The state or quality of being obstreperous.

Synonyms

• Unruly: Difficult to control or discipline; disorderly.
• Boisterous: Noisy, energetic, and cheerful; rowdy.
• Rambunctious: Uncontrollably exuberant; boisterous.
• Tumultuous: Making a loud, confused noise; uproarious.
• Refractory: Stubborn or unmanageable.

Antonyms

• Docile: Ready to accept control or instruction; submissive.
• Tractable: Easy to control or influence.
• Quiet: Making little or no noise.
• Obedient: Complying or willing to comply with orders or requests; submissive.

Idioms and Phrases

• While there are no common idioms using the exact word obstreperous, the concept is often captured in phrases like "raising a ruckus" or "kicking up a fuss," which describe similar noisy, disruptive behavior.

Adjective

1. boisterously and noisily aggressive
   • kept up an obstreperous clamor
2. noisily and stubbornly defiant
   • obstreperous boys