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noun

roadblock

Roadblock (noun) means a barrier set up across a road, often by police or the military, to stop or check traffic. Example: “Police set up a roadblock after the robbery to check every car leaving town.”

noun
1
A barrier set up across a road, often by police or the military, to stop or check traffic.
"Police set up a roadblock after the robbery to check every car leaving town."
2
Something that gets in the way of progress; an obstacle.
"Lack of funding became the biggest roadblock to finishing the project."

How to use roadblock

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishA barrier stopping traffic, or more generally, anything blocking progress.

Common pairings
hit a roadblock set up a roadblock legal roadblock

Word forms

roadblocked past tense, roadblocks plural, roadblocks singular

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Police set up a _____ after the robbery to check every car leaving town.

Etymology

A straightforward compound of "road" + "block," first used for physical traffic barriers before being extended to mean any obstacle.

Related words

Frequently asked questions

What does “roadblock” mean?

The word “roadblock” means a barrier set up across a road, often by police or the military, to stop or check traffic. In plain terms, a barrier stopping traffic, or more generally, anything blocking progress.

How do you use “roadblock” in a sentence?

Here is “roadblock” used in a sentence: “Police set up a roadblock after the robbery to check every car leaving town.”

What part of speech is “roadblock”?

“Roadblock” is a noun.

How many meanings does “roadblock” have?

“Roadblock” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a barrier set up across a road, often by police or the military, to stop or check traffic.

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Definitions: FreeDict original editorial