obstructionist

[ uh b-struhk-shuh-nist ]

/ əbˈstrʌk ʃə nɪst /

a person who deliberately delays or prevents progress.

a person who delays or obstructs the business before a legislative body by parliamentary contrivances or legalistic maneuvers.

Origin of obstructionist

First recorded in 1840–50; obstruction + -ist

ob·struc·tion·ism, noun ob·struc·tion·is·tic, adjective

In a divided Congress, each party can point its finger at the other and say: “Obstructionist!”

Here’s What Happens When the GOP Takes Over the Senate |Michael Tomasky |April 30, 2014 |DAILY BEAST
The country has soured on obstructionist politicians and the Tea Party in particular.

Ted Cruz Runs Against His Own Government Shutdown |Joe McLean |January 30, 2014 |DAILY BEAST
Ronald Reagan, like Obama and unlike FDR, rarely bullied party renegades or obstructionist opponents.

Obama and Syria: Fighting the Wimp Factor |Gil Troy |September 18, 2013 |DAILY BEAST
Across the aisle, “obstructionist,” “waste of time,” and “37 times” kept popping up.

Obamacare 37, Republicans 0: House GOP Loses Again on Repeal Vote |Michelle Cottle |May 17, 2013 |DAILY BEAST

The press coverage evoked memories of the inglorious end to Sanford's two terms as an obstructionist governor.

Mark Sanford’s Formidable Opponent: Stephen Colbert’s Sister |Jack Bass |April 29, 2013 |DAILY BEAST
She was regarded as one who was no obstructionist and who by sheer triviality added much to the gayety of nations.

Under the Law |Edwina Stanton Babcock
A permanent chief of staff might be an obstructionist or might become too perfunctory in compliance.

Letters from an Old Railway Official |Charles DeLano Hine
This one was very pretty, but an obstructionist nevertheless.

Mrs. Dorriman, Volume 2 of 3 |Julie Bosville Chetwynd
All of which gave the obstructionist at Golden a clear minute in which to determine what to do.

A Romance in Transit |Francis Lynde
He has also the faith in tradition that makes an unlettered upper class narrow and obstructionist.

William Shakespeare |John Masefield

obstructionist

/ (əbˈstrʌkʃənɪst) /

obstructionism, noun