roadblock

American  

[rohd-blok] / ˈroʊdˌblɒk /

noun

1. an obstruction placed across a road, especially of barricades or police cars, for halting or hindering traffic, as to facilitate the capture of a pursued car or inspection for safety violations.

2. an obstruction on a road, as a fallen tree or a pile of fallen rocks.

3. a hastily built barricade, as of barbed wire, erected across a road to hold up the advance of an enemy.

4. an action, condition, etc., that obstructs progress toward an objective.

   Nationalism is a roadblock to European unity.

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verb (used with object)

1. to halt or obstruct with or as if with a roadblock.

roadblock British  

/ ˈrəʊdˌblɒk /

noun

1. a barrier set up across a road by the police or military, in order to stop a fugitive, inspect traffic, etc

2. a difficulty or obstacle to progress

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Etymology

Origin of roadblock

First recorded in 1935–40; road + block

Example Sentences

On Thursday, groups representing crypto firms and banks are expected to meet with the White House in an attempt to resolve the latest roadblock.

From Barron's

But now that businesses are mature enough to understand those potential roadblocks, they are taking longer to evaluate and being more critical of potential solutions, Roth said.

From The Wall Street Journal

Instead, it has driven farmers from their land, left produce to rot at roadblocks and blocked food imports except those from its allies in neighboring Rwanda, according to local traders and activists.

From The Wall Street Journal

Paramount has been reluctant to increase its offer unless it appears the Warner-Netflix deal is hitting serious roadblocks in Washington, other people familiar with the matter said.

From The Wall Street Journal

“Let’s say you manage to get past all the roadblocks. Chase may not be at the farm.”

From Literature

Related Words

• barricade
• blockade