restive

[ res-tiv ]
/ ˈrɛs tɪv /
SEE SYNONYMS FOR restive ON THESAURUS.COM

adjective

impatient of control, restraint, or delay, as persons; restless; uneasy.
refractory; stubborn.
refusing to go forward; balky: a restive horse.

Origin of restive

1375–1425; rest2 + -ive; replacing late Middle English restif stationary, balking < Old French: inert

OTHER WORDS FROM restive

res·tive·ly, adverb res·tive·ness, noun

WORDS THAT MAY BE CONFUSED WITH restive

restful restive

Words nearby restive

resting cell, resting place, resting tidal volume, restitute, restitution, restive, restless, restless cavy, restless legs syndrome, resto, restock

Words related to restiveness

ailment, agitation, unrest, uneasiness, disturbance, disquiet, ferment, inquietude, movement, nervousness, turmoil, insomnia, unease, disquietude, bustle, turbulence, hurry, anxiety, jitters, activity

Example sentences from the Web for restiveness

British Dictionary definitions for restiveness

restive
/ (ˈrɛstɪv) /

adjective

restless, nervous, or uneasy
impatient of control or authority

Derived forms of restive

restively, adverb restiveness, noun

Word Origin for restive

C16: from Old French restif balky, from rester to remain