roadblock
[rohd-blok]
- 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.
- an obstruction on a road, as a fallen tree or a pile of fallen rocks.
- a hastily built barricade, as of barbed wire, erected across a road to hold up the advance of an enemy.
- an action, condition, etc., that obstructs progress toward an objective: Nationalism is a roadblock to European unity.
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- to halt or obstruct with or as if with a roadblock.
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Origin of roadblock
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018
Examples from the Web for roadblock
Contemporary Examples
For over a decade, those trying to make better sunscreen found a roadblock at the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
Nazis, Sunscreen, and Sea Gull Eggs: Congress in 2014 Was Hella ProductiveBen Jacobs
December 29, 2014
As Mitchell was looking to expand his enterprise in the mid-2000s, he ran into a roadblock.
At This Creepy Libertarian Charter School, Kids Must Swear ‘to Be Obedient to Those in Authority’ProPublica
October 15, 2014
Not far from the drop-off point, the team ran into their first roadblock.
The roadblock was an example of how quickly the reality on the ground is changing.
We knew as we approached that this roadblock was supposed to be one of the most difficult to get through in the region.
Historical Examples
Then, tonight, you took the chance of finding the roadblock.
The Flaming MountainHarold Leland Goodwin
Ten yards past the roadblock he turned around and looked at Malone.
Occasion for DisasterGordon Randall Garrett
Malone got the car going; the roadblock was lifted for him and he went on by.
Occasion for DisasterGordon Randall Garrett
I'm sure the Cassylians don't want to advertise their bad sportsmanship so there won't be anything as crude as a roadblock.
DeathworldHarry Harrison
Removal of this roadblock has high priority in my legislative recommendations.
roadblock
- a barrier set up across a road by the police or military, in order to stop a fugitive, inspect traffic, etc
- a difficulty or obstacle to progress
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Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
© William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
Word Origin and History for roadblock
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper