jam-up

American  

[jam-uhp] / ˈdʒæmˌʌp /

noun

1. a stoppage or slowing of motion, work, or the like, due to obstruction, overloading, malfunction, or inefficiency; jam.

   Your letters didn't go out yesterday because there was a jam-up in the mail room.

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Etymology

Origin of jam-up

First recorded in 1940–45; noun use of verb phrase jam up

Example Sentences

“It’s a total jam-up,” he said.

From New York Times

Pittsburgh airport officials say the new program should not create a jam-up at screening checkpoints because non-fliers will be allowed in during the non-peak hours of 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.,

From Los Angeles Times

Also, millions will watch a 13-player jam-up on Sunday for the pure — U.S.

From Washington Post

Then the old Troll will curl up under the Woodrow Wilson Bridge at rush hour, when nobody in the jam-up can get away from his tormenting sound, and bellow, “You can change their name from Bullets to Wizards, but you can’t fool me. They’ll never get past the second round, just like they haven’t since ’79.”

From Washington Post

He waited till Little Arliss finally got up the nerve to ask what, then went on: “Well, it’s like this. I’ve hung around over there in that cow camp, eating my own cooking till I’m so starved out, I don’t hardly throw a shadow. Now, if you could talk your mama into feeding me a real jam-up meal of woman-cooked grub, I think it would be worth at least a one-eared yeller dog. Don’t you?”

From Literature

Related Words

• ban
• block
• constrain
• enjoin
• forbid
• freeze
• halt
• hinder
• impede
• inhibit
• outlaw
• preclude
• prevent
• proscribe
• restrain
• restrict
• rule out