Obtemperate

Part of speech: adjective

Definitions

1. Exhibiting a disposition that is unrestrained or immoderate; characterized by a lack of self-control in gratifying desires; often describing behavior that is excessive or indulgent in nature
2. Displaying a tendency toward excess and a lack of moderation; marked by actions that disregard the limits of temperance; frequently associated with uncontrolled or reckless pursuits
3. Indicating a state of being overly indulgent or lacking discipline; encompassing behaviors that push beyond the bounds of restraint; often reflecting a refusal to adhere to moderation in appetites or desires

Etymology: In Latin, "obtemperare" meant "to obey," and it was built from "ob-" ("toward") and "temperare" ("to moderate, to restrain"). Obedience and self-restraint were once closely linked, which is why the word's core idea is submitting to a rule or authority rather than indulging in excess. In English, this word means obedient or compliant. The English form comes from the Latin "obtemperatus," the past participle of that verb, with the suffix "-ate" added. It is a doublet of "obtemper," a shorter form that came from the same Latin source, so the two words share an origin but differ in form. Both have the same meaning of compliance and obedience.

Synonyms: obedient, compliant, submissive, docile, tractable

Antonyms: disobedient, rebellious, unruly, defiant, intractable