English Dictionary
Definition of “restive”
restive (ˈrɛstɪv
)
Definitions
adjective
- restless, nervous, or uneasy
- impatient of control or authority
Alternative Forms
ˈrestively adverb ˈrestiveness noun Word Origin
C16: from Old French restif balky, from rester to remain
Synonyms
View thesaurus entry
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restless,
nervous,
uneasy,
impatient,
agitated,
unruly,
edgy,
jittery,
recalcitrant,
on edge,
fractious,
ill at ease,
jumpy,
fretful,
fidgety,
refractory,
unquiet,
antsy,
Usage examples
As if he were a restive horse, I found myself sending thoughts of calm and patience to him.
Robin Hobb, THE GOLDEN FOOL: Book Two of the Tawny Man (2002)The bjp's core constituency is turning increasingly restive , vocal and very militant.
India Today (2002)US commanders say pacifying restive Falluja is crucial for stability ahead of the formal handover of sovereignty.
New Zealand Herald (2004)At least 3,000 people were killed here, the capital of the politically restive Aceh province.
Belfast Telegraph (2004)Through the broken windows came the sounds of a restive , drunken crowd.
Veronica Buckley, CHRISTINA QUEEN OF SWEDEN: The Restless Life of a European Eccentric (2004)
