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

Tesla and Rivian, competing EV makers also advertising a luxury product, have hit recent roadblocks as well.

From Los Angeles Times

She added there were still potential roadblocks ahead.

From BBC

That strategy hit a roadblock in federal court, as a succession of rulings invalidated his attempt to revive the policy under different laws.

From The Wall Street Journal

There are other roadblocks and/or forks in the road people face in retirement, including a gradual decline in health, which could lead to the need to live in an assisted-living facility.

From MarketWatch

This time, the probe hit an internal roadblock.

From The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• barricade
• blockade