1. prolonged speeches or other tactics used to delay or prevent legislative action
Usage: political/legislative context
2. people who engage in unauthorized military action in foreign countries
Usage: historical; 19th century

1. to use prolonged speaking or other delaying tactics to obstruct legislative proceedings
Usage: political/legislative context

Examples

• The senator’s filibusters lasted for hours to block the controversial bill.
• Opposition parties often use filibusters as a last resort to prevent unwanted legislation.
• The minority party filibusters every major proposal from the ruling coalition.
• Historical filibusters in Central America caused diplomatic tensions in the 1850s.
• She filibusters by reading from phone books when she wants to delay a vote.
• The rules committee limited how long anyone could filibuster during debates.
• Critics argue that constant filibusters prevent meaningful legislative progress.