recalcitration

recalcitration

A child's recalcitration made him refuse to put on his coat.

Definition

Noun: - The act of resisting or opposing authority: "recalcitration" refers to the behavior of stubbornly refusing to obey orders or comply with rules, often characterized by defiance or obstinacy. - A tendency to be uncooperative: It denotes a habitual attitude of being difficult to manage or control, especially in response to direction or discipline.

Usage Examples
  • (His stubborn refusal to follow rules resulted in punishment.)
  • (The horse's resistance to being controlled was extreme.)
  • (Her defiant attitude created conflict.)
Advanced Usage

  • "recalcitration against reform": opposition to change or new policies.

    • The union's recalcitration against the new contract delayed negotiations. (The union's stubborn resistance prevented progress.)

  • "political recalcitration": refusal to comply with governmental or institutional directives.

    • The region's recalcitration toward central authority led to sanctions. (The area's defiance resulted in penalties.)
Variants and Related Words

  • Recalcitrant (adj): having an obstinately uncooperative attitude.

    • The recalcitrant child refused to do his homework. (The child was stubbornly disobedient.)

  • Recalcitrance (n): the quality or state of being recalcitrant (often used interchangeably with "recalcitration").

    • His recalcitrance was evident in every argument. (His stubbornness was clear.)
Synonyms
  • Defiance: open resistance to authority.
  • Obstinacy: stubbornness in refusing to change one's opinion or behavior.
  • Insubordination: disobedience to a superior.
  • Contumacy: willful and persistent resistance to authority (formal or legal contexts).
Phrasal Verbs
  • None directly associated: "recalcitration" is a formal noun and does not commonly form phrasal verbs. However, related verbs like "dig in one's heels" (to refuse to change) or "push back" (to resist) capture similar meanings.
Related Idioms

  • "Put up a fight": to resist strongly.

    • The defendant put up a fight against the charges, showing clear recalcitration. (He resisted the accusations stubbornly.)

  • "Stick to one's guns": to maintain one's position despite opposition.

    • Despite the pressure, she stuck to her guns, a classic example of recalcitration. (She refused to yield.)