formal 10K+

Filibuster

UK //ˈfɪl.ɪˌbʌs.tər// US //ˈfɪl.ɪˌbʌs.tɚ// Pronunciation

Definition

A political strategy to delay or prevent a vote by prolonged speaking.

Listen to definition

In simple words: A way to delay or stop a discussion in politics.

Examples

• The senator decided to use a filibuster to block the new law.
• During the filibuster, the senator spoke for nearly 12 hours.
• Opponents of the bill threatened to filibuster the vote.
• A successful filibuster can halt legislative progress significantly.
• The use of a filibuster is a time-honored tradition in the Senate.

Usage notes

Mainly used in political contexts, often in the US Congress. More formal, not used in everyday conversation.

Grammar pattern

filibuster + object

Memory hint

Sounds like 'fill a bus', imagine someone talking to fill a bus to delay voting.

Collocations

• invoke a filibuster
• conduct a filibuster
• support a filibuster
• filibuster rules
• effective filibuster

Synonyms

• obstruction
• delay
• stalling
• hindrance

Common mistakes

• Confused with 'obstruction' - filibuster is a specific political tactic.
• Using in non-political contexts - should be limited to legislative situations.