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Filibustered Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

๐Ÿ—ฃ๏ธ
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filibustered

[หˆfษชlษชหŒbสŒstษ™rd ]

Definition

Context #1 | Verb

political strategy

To filibuster means to use prolonged speechmaking or other tactics to delay or obstruct legislative action, especially in the context of a parliamentary procedure. This tactic can be employed by a member of the legislature to block a vote on a proposal, bill, or nomination. Filibustering can be seen as a way to draw attention to issues or to prevent unpopular legislation from passing. This strategy is often employed in the U.S. Senate, where a senator can speak for an extended period to delay proceedings.

Synonyms

delay, interrupt, obstruct, stall.

Examples of usage

  • The senator filibustered for hours to block the vote on the controversial bill.
  • They plan to filibuster the nomination to delay the confirmation process.
  • In an attempt to filibuster, she read from a children's book.
  • The opposition party resorted to filibustering to prevent legislation.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Political History

  • The term originated in the 1850s, derived from the Spanish word 'filibustero' meaning 'pirate', indicating lawbreakers delaying legislation.
  • In the U.S. Senate, a famous filibuster by Senator Strom Thurmond in 1957 lasted over 24 hours against civil rights legislation.
  • In many legislative bodies, a filibuster allows for prolonged debate to give minority opinions a chance, but can also lead to political gridlock.

Pop Culture

  • The term has been popularized in films and TV shows, showcasing exaggerated scenes where characters use lengthy speeches to stall.
  • In the animated series 'Schoolhouse Rock!', a cartoon includes an episode about a filibuster where characters humorously try to delay a vote.
  • Fictional portrayals often exaggerate filibusters, depicting characters talking about anything nonsensical just to keep the floor!

Parliamentary Procedure

  • Many countries have their own forms of filibuster-like procedures, allowing members to delay votes through long speeches.
  • In Canada, filibusters can involve team efforts where multiple members take turns speaking to prolong discussions.
  • Some legislative bodies have rules to limit filibuster effects, such as 'closing debate' to prevent prolonging discussions unnecessarily.

Social Influence

  • Filibustering can demonstrate the power dynamics in politics, revealing how minority groups can influence legislative actions.
  • It often raises questions about the ethical implications of using lengthy discussions to obstruct the legislative process.
  • Public opinion can shift dramatically regarding filibuster tactics, showing how perceptions of political strategies can shape debates.

Legal Context

  • In the U.S., the current rules regarding filibusters have evolved, particularly with changing political climates and varied party control.
  • Legal discussions on filibuster tactics can intertwine with court cases regarding freedom of speech and legislative processes.
  • Judicial rulings have often addressed the balance of power within legislative branches concerning lengthy debates and their legality.

Origin of 'filibustered'

The term 'filibuster' dates back to the mid-19th century, derived from the Dutch word 'vrijbuiter,' which means 'pirate' or 'freebooter.' Initially, it referred to lawless adventurers who participated in unauthorized military expeditions in Latin America during the 1850s. The term evolved in its usage and began to refer to the legislative tactic of obstructing legislative action by making long speeches or engaging in prolonged debate. The first notable filibuster in the U.S. Senate was conducted by Senator J. A. Bayard of Delaware in 1837. Over time, it became a recognized parliamentary procedure, particularly in the context of the U.S., where it has played a significant role in shaping legislative outcomes.

Word Frequency Rank

At position #40,428, this word is among the less frequently used terms in English. While interesting to know, it's not crucial for most English learners unless needed for specific purposes.