roadblock

noun

road·​block ˈrōd-ˌbläk 

1

a

: a barricade often with traps or mines for holding up an enemy at a point on a road covered by fire

b

: a road barricade set up especially by law enforcement officers

2

: an obstruction in a road

3

: something that blocks progress or prevents accomplishment of an objective

roadblock transitive verb

Examples of roadblock in a Sentence

That's the one roadblock to the plan.

roadblocks on the path to success

Recent Examples on the Web

The cancellations mark the latest roadblock for a tour already embroiled in controversy. — Alexandra Del Rosario, Los Angeles Times, 25 Sep. 2026

The virtual hearing came three days after California Attorney General Rob Bonta (D) announced that both sides had come to an agreement to clear all remaining legal roadblocks to the $111 billion transaction. — David Zimmermann, The Washington Examiner, 24 Sep. 2026

One thing that impressed me was Muse’s ability to understand and communicate roadblocks in tasks. — Lisa Eadicicco, CNN Money, 23 Sep. 2026

Ireland agonizingly captures the everyday indignities and legal roadblocks that survivors may encounter. — Patrick Ryan, USA Today, 16 Sep. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1913, in the meaning defined at sense 1b

Rhymes for roadblock

• alcock
• beanstalk
• bedrock
• boardwalk
• catwalk
• cornstalk
• crosswalk
• deadlock
• feedstock
• fetlock
• flintlock
• goshawk

Kids Definition

roadblock

noun

road·​block -ˌbläk 

: a blocking of a road (as by police officers)

Legal Definition

roadblock

noun

road·​block

: a road barricade set up by law enforcement officers especially for the purpose of detecting criminal activity