A person who uses delaying tactics or obstruction to prevent action in a legislative body, or historically, a private adventurer engaged in military expeditions.
From Dutch 'vrijbuiter' (freebooter) > Spanish 'filibustero' > English 'filibuster'. Originally described Caribbean pirates in the 17th century, later applied to legislative obstructionism.
The word traveled from Dutch pirates to Spanish colonial vocabulary to English politics—when a senator filibusters today, they're literally acting like a historical pirate, stealing time and attention from everyone else.
Complete word intelligence in one call. Free tier — 50 lookups/day.