verb

stonewall

STOHN-wawl

verb

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."

To obstruct or block something outright.

"The committee stonewalled the proposal before it even reached a vote."

How to Use Stonewall

Learner’s notes

In 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.

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Common pairings

stonewall an investigation stonewall questions accused of stonewalling

stonewalled past tense, stonewalls singular

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Can you complete this real example?

The spokesperson _____ every question about the merger.

From stone plus wall — the image of hitting an immovable barrier, as solid and unyielding as a wall built of stone.

firewall