Roadblock
'roʊd.blɒk
Definitions
2 meaningsAn obstacle placed on a road or other way to stop or delay traffic or access.
'roʊd.blɒk
An obstruction on a road.
The protestors created a roadblock to prevent the trucks from entering the city.
💡 Simply: Think of a big, heavy thing that someone puts in the middle of the road to make cars stop. It's like a traffic jam, but on purpose!
👶 For kids: A roadblock is something that stops cars or people from going down a road.
More Examples
Due to the accident, there was a roadblock on the highway.
The soldiers had to clear the roadblock before they could continue their patrol.
How It's Used
"The police set up a roadblock to search for the suspect."
"The troops encountered a series of roadblocks as they advanced."
An obstacle or impediment to progress, achievement, or movement; something that hinders or prevents success.
'roʊd.blɒk
An obstacle to progress.
The committee identified several roadblocks to implementing the new policy.
💡 Simply: Imagine you're trying to get something done, like building a Lego castle, but something keeps getting in the way. That something that stops you is a roadblock!
👶 For kids: A roadblock can also be something that stops you from doing what you want to do.
More Examples
Communication issues proved to be a roadblock to resolving the conflict.
She overcame many roadblocks to achieve her goals.
How It's Used
"Lack of funding was a significant roadblock to the project's completion."
"The complex regulations presented a roadblock to the company's expansion plans."
Synonyms
Barrier
Blockade
Detour
Obstruction
Difficulty
Hindrance
Impediment
Obstacle
Idioms & expressions
hit a roadblock
To encounter an obstacle or difficulty that prevents progress.
"We hit a roadblock during the construction project due to a shortage of materials."
From "road" + "block", reflecting its function of obstructing a road. The term gained prevalence with the increased use of roads and the need to control or restrict access.
The term's use increased dramatically in the 20th century as roads and vehicles became commonplace.