obstructive

Intermediate 🏛️ Government / Politics

Definition

The art of being deliberately difficult, typically practiced by those who believe preventing something is just as important as achieving something. In politics, it's a badge of honor for minority parties; in medicine, it describes blockages that shouldn't be there. Either way, things aren't flowing the way they're supposed to, and someone is probably pretty pleased about that.

Example Usage

The committee chair accused the opposition of obstructive tactics designed to run out the legislative clock.

Source: Common political and medical terminology

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