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

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

Word forms

stonewalled past tense, stonewalls singular

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Fill the gap

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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

firewall

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.