verb
stonewall
STOHN-wawl
Stonewall (verb) means to deliberately block progress by refusing to answer questions, give information, or cooperate. Example: “The spokesperson stonewalled every question about the merger.”
verb
1
To deliberately block progress by refusing to answer questions, give information, or cooperate.
"The spokesperson stonewalled every question about the merger."
"Investigators accused the company of stonewalling the inquiry for months."
2
To obstruct or block something outright.
"The committee stonewalled the proposal before it even reached a vote."
How to use stonewall
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishTo shut down a conversation or investigation by simply refusing to engage, rather than by arguing back.
Memory tip
Usually used about people in power — politicians, executives, officials — who won't answer or won't budge.
Trace the full origin ↓
Common pairings
stonewall an investigation
stonewall questions
accused of stonewalling
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Word forms
- Third person singular
- stonewalls
- Past tense
- stonewalled
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The spokesperson _____ every question about the merger.
Etymology
From stone plus wall — the image of hitting an immovable barrier, as solid and unyielding as a wall built of stone.
Rhymes for stonewall
See all rhymes for stonewall →Frequently asked questions
What does “stonewall” mean?
The word “stonewall” means to deliberately block progress by refusing to answer questions, give information, or cooperate. In plain terms, to shut down a conversation or investigation by simply refusing to engage, rather than by arguing back.
How do you pronounce “stonewall”?
“Stonewall” is pronounced STOHN-wawl (/ˈstoʊnwɔl/ in IPA).
How do you use “stonewall” in a sentence?
Here is “stonewall” used in a sentence: “The spokesperson stonewalled every question about the merger.”
What part of speech is “stonewall”?
“Stonewall” is a verb.
How many meanings does “stonewall” have?
“Stonewall” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: to deliberately block progress by refusing to answer questions, give information, or cooperate.
