from
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
Obdurate \Ob"du*rate\, a. [L. obduratus, p. p. of obdurare to
harden; ob (see Ob-)+ durare to harden, durus hard. See
{Dure}.]
1. Hardened in feelings, esp. against moral or mollifying
influences; unyielding; hard-hearted; stubbornly wicked.
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The very custom of evil makes the heart obdurate
against whatsoever instructions to the contrary.
--Hooker.
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Art thou obdurate, flinty, hard as steel,
Nay, more than flint, for stone at rain relenteth?
--Shak.
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2. Hard; harsh; rugged; rough; intractable. "Obdurate
consonants." --Swift.
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Note: Sometimes accented on the second syllable, especially
by the older poets.
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There is no flesh in man's obdurate heart.
--Cowper.
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Syn: Hard; firm; unbending; inflexible; unyielding; stubborn;
obstinate; impenitent; callous; unfeeling; insensible;
unsusceptible.
Usage: {Obdurate}, {Callous}, {Hardened}. Callous denotes a
deadening of the sensibilities; as, a callous
conscience. Hardened implies a general and settled
disregard for the claims of interest, duty, and
sympathy; as, hardened in vice. Obdurate implies an
active resistance of the heart and will aganst the
pleadings of compassion and humanity.
[1913 Webster] -- {Ob"du*rate*ly}, adv. --
{Ob"du*rate*ness}, n.
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