Contumacious
adjective
Stubbornly refusing to obey orders.
He is known for his contumacious defiance of the school authorities.
Often appears as...
- contumacious defiance
- contumacious attitude
Usage tips
Formal, Disapproving
adjective
Not willing to accept rule, control, or authority.
The criminal was contumacious, refusing to be subdued by police officers.
Often appears as...
- contumacious conduct
- contumacious refusal
Usage tips
Formal, Disapproving
Legal
adjective
Stubbornly refusing to obey orders.
He is known for his contumacious defiance of the school authorities.
Often appears as...
- contumacious defiance
- contumacious attitude
Usage tips
Formal, Disapproving
adjective
Not willing to accept rule, control, or authority.
The criminal was contumacious, refusing to be subdued by police officers.
Often appears as...
- contumacious conduct
- contumacious refusal
Usage tips
Formal, Disapproving
Legal
Definition 1 of 2
Pro Tip 1/3Negative Connotation
Usually suggests a person's negative and stubborn behavior towards authority.
Her contumacious refusal to follow the rules got her in trouble.
Pro Tip 2/3Strong Disobedience
Highlights extreme refusal to obey, more intense than just non-compliance.
Despite repeated warnings, his contumacious behavior continued.
Pro Tip 3/3Potential Consequences
Using 'contumacious' implies there might be consequences for the defiance shown.
The contumacious student faced suspension for his actions.
Pro Tip 1/3Negative Connotation
Usually suggests a person's negative and stubborn behavior towards authority.
Her contumacious refusal to follow the rules got her in trouble.
Pro Tip 2/3Strong Disobedience
Highlights extreme refusal to obey, more intense than just non-compliance.
Despite repeated warnings, his contumacious behavior continued.
Pro Tip 3/3Potential Consequences
Using 'contumacious' implies there might be consequences for the defiance shown.
The contumacious student faced suspension for his actions.
Pro Tip 1/3Negative Connotation
Usually suggests a person's negative and stubborn behavior towards authority.
Her contumacious refusal to follow the rules got her in trouble.
Pro Tip 2/3Strong Disobedience
Highlights extreme refusal to obey, more intense than just non-compliance.
Despite repeated warnings, his contumacious behavior continued.
Pro Tip 3/3Potential Consequences
Using 'contumacious' implies there might be consequences for the defiance shown.
The contumacious student faced suspension for his actions.
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