roadblock

noun

road·​block ˈrōd-ˌbläk How to pronounce roadblock (audio)
1
a
: a barricade often with traps or mines for holding up an enemy at a point on a road covered by fire
b
: a road barricade set up especially by law enforcement officers
2
: an obstruction in a road
3
: something that blocks progress or prevents accomplishment of an objective
roadblock transitive verb

Examples of roadblock in a Sentence

That's the one roadblock to the plan. roadblocks on the path to success
Recent Examples on the Web But in reality many of them have left the settlements in uniform, wearing masks, setting up roadblocks and harassing Palestinians. Mark Mazzetti Jonathan Davis Anna Diamond David Mason, New York Times, 16 May 2024 The progression of their love is not without its roadblocks, however. Nicole Briese, Peoplemag, 12 May 2024 See all Example Sentences for roadblock 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'roadblock.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1913, in the meaning defined at sense 1b

Time Traveler
The first known use of roadblock was in 1913

Dictionary Entries Near roadblock

Cite this Entry

“Roadblock.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/roadblock. Accessed 31 May. 2024.

Kids Definition

roadblock

noun
road·​block -ˌbläk How to pronounce roadblock (audio)
: a blocking of a road (as by police officers)

Legal Definition

roadblock

noun
road·​block
: a road barricade set up by law enforcement officers especially for the purpose of detecting criminal activity
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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