obstreperous
UK[əbˈstrep.ər.əs]US[əbˈstrep.ɚ.əs]
adj
noisy and difficult to control
adj
unruly and defiant, especially in resisting control
Morpheme Breakdown
ob
streper
ous
ob
against
streper
to make a noise
ous
adjective suffix
Etymology
the word 'obstreperous' originates from latin, combining the prefix 'ob-' (meaning "against") with the verb 'strepere' (meaning "to make a noise"). the literal sense is "making a noise against something" or "clamoring in opposition". this vivid image of noisy resistance evolved into the modern abstract meaning, describing someone or something that is not only loud but also unruly and defiant in the face of control or authority.
Analysis
Structure: ob (against) + streper (to make a noise) + ous (adjective suffix)
- ob: a latin prefix meaning "against, toward, or in the way of".
- streper: from the latin verb 'strepere', meaning "to make a noise, to rattle, to roar".
- ous: a latin-derived suffix forming adjectives, meaning "full of, characterized by, or having the qualities of".
Examples
the teacher struggled to quiet the obstreperous children in the classroom.
the town hall meeting was disrupted by an obstreperous heckler.
despite warnings, the obstreperous dog continued to bark at the passing cars.