roadblock

[rohd-blok]

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.

verb (used with object)

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

roadblock

/ 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

Word History and Origins

Origin of roadblock¹

First recorded in 1935–40; road + block

Example Sentences

If there’s a roadblock to further gains, it might come from the S&P 500’s valuation.

Read more on Barron's

As India faces fresh economic pressure from U.S. tariffs of 50%, some say it is more pressing than ever for it to fix roadblocks that hamper its economic potential.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

The Greens and the Welsh Lib Dems will be among those hoping to motivate voters who want to put a roadblock in the way of Reform - as is Labour.

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Venture investors worry that immigration roadblocks will deter foreigners from starting companies in the U.S. and otherwise push global talent overseas.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

When demonstrations spread around the country on June 25, Nyairo says she found herself unable to get to work, due to roadblocks and a public-transport shutdown.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• barricade 
• blockade