First Known Use: 1851
Dictionary
1filibuster
noun fil·i·bus·ter \ˈfi-lə-ˌbəs-tər\
: an effort to prevent action in a legislature (such as the U.S. Senate or House of Representatives) by making a long speech or series of speeches
Full Definition of FILIBUSTER
1
: an irregular military adventurer; specifically : an American engaged in fomenting insurrections in Latin America in the mid-19th century
2
[2filibuster] a : the use of extreme dilatory tactics in an attempt to delay or prevent action especially in a legislative assembly b : an instance of this practice
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Origin of FILIBUSTER
Spanish filibustero, literally, freebooter
Other Government and Politics Terms
Rhymes with FILIBUSTER
2filibuster
verb
filibusteredfilibuster·ing \-t(ə-)riŋ\
Definition of FILIBUSTER
intransitive verb
1
: to carry out insurrectionist activities in a foreign country
2
: to engage in a filibuster
transitive verb
: to subject to a filibuster
— fil·i·bus·ter·er \-tər-ər\ noun
First Known Use of FILIBUSTER
1851
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