simply refuse to stir. The most amiable person may be _obstinate_ on
some one point; the _stubborn_ person is for the most part habitually
so; we speak of _obstinate_ determination, _stubborn_ resistance.
_Stubborn_ is the term most frequently applied to the lower animals and
inanimate things. _Refractory_ implies more activity of resistance; the
_stubborn_ horse balks; the _refractory_ animal plunges, rears, and
kicks; metals that resist ordinary processes of reduction are termed
_refractory_. One is _obdurate_ who adheres to his purpose in spite of
appeals that would move any tender-hearted or right-minded person.
_Contumacious_ refers to a proud and insolent defiance of authority, as
of the summons of a court. _Pertinacious_ demand is contrasted with
_obstinate_ refusal. The _unyielding_ conduct which we approve we call
_decided_, _firm_, _inflexible_, _resolute_; that which we condemn we
are apt to term _headstrong_, _obstinate_, _stubborn_. Compare PERVERSE.

Antonyms:

amenable, dutiful, pliable, tractable,
complaisant, gentle, pliant, undecided,
compliant, irresolute, submissive, wavering,
docile, obedient, teachable, yielding.

* * * * *

OBSTRUCT.

Synonyms:

arrest, check, embarrass, interrupt, stay,
bar, choke, hinder, oppose, stop.
barricade, clog, impede, retard,

To _obstruct_ is literally to build up against; the road is _obstructed_
by fallen trees; the passage of liquid through a tube is _obstructed_ by
solid deposits. We may _hinder_ one's advance by following and clinging
to him; we _obstruct_ his course by standing in his way or putting a
barrier across his path. Anything that makes one's progress slower,
whether from within or from without, _impedes_; an obstruction is always
from without. To _arrest_ is to cause to stop suddenly; _obstructing_
the way may have the effect of _arresting_ progress. Compare HINDER;
IMPEDIMENT.

Antonyms:

accelerate, aid, facilitate, free, open, promote.
advance, clear, forward, further, pave the way for,

* * * * *

OLD.

Synonyms:

aged, decrepit, immemorial, senile,
ancient, elderly, olden, time-honored,
antiquated, gray, patriarchal, time-worn,
antique, hoary, remote, venerable.

That is termed _old_ which has existed lo