roughshod

American  

[ruhf-shod] / ˈrʌfˈʃɒd /

adjective

1. shod with horseshoes having projecting nails or points.

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idioms

1. ride roughshod over, to treat harshly or domineeringly; override; crush.

   He rode roughshod over his friends to advance himself in the business world.

roughshod British  

/ ˈrʌfˌʃɒd /

adjective

1. (of a horse) shod with rough-bottomed shoes to prevent sliding

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adverb

1. to domineer over or act with complete disregard for

Etymology

Origin of roughshod

First recorded in 1680–90; rough + shod

Explanation

Roughshod means "brutal" or "without regard for the rules." If someone ignores established rules and regulations, they run roughshod over the law. You'll nearly always find this word alongside "run" or "ride," as when a power-hungry politician rides roughshod over anyone who stands in the way of his success. We get this figurative term from the original meaning of roughshod, used to describe a horse whose metal shoes have sharp, protruding nails. This was done to prevent slipping, but during wartime it resulted in terrible damage to trampled soldiers. If you've been brutalized, you may feel someone's run roughshod over you.

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

roughshod

“They would run roughshod over the city,” said Stuart Waldman, president of the Valley Industry and Commerce Assn.

From Los Angeles Times ● Jun. 22, 2026

Now they’re riding roughshod over the Milan Cortina Games.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Feb. 17, 2026

Before smartphones, Microsoft Windows Internet Explorer was the dominant player, running roughshod over early challengers like Netscape.

From Barron's ● Oct. 21, 2025

We get a vicarious thrill from watching the narcissist run roughshod over people's feelings or exploit others without shame.

From Salon ● Jun. 9, 2025

Dozens of hybrids—bears, panthers, gorillas—run roughshod over the place.

From "Amari and the Night Brothers" by B.B. Alston