roughshod

1 of 2

adjective

rough·​shod ˈrəf-ˌshäd 

1

: shod with calked shoes

2

: marked by tyrannical force

roughshod rule

roughshod

2 of 2

adverb

: in a roughly forceful manner

rode roughshod over the opposition

Examples of roughshod in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

The Spurs are playing a different sport right now, a roughshod edition of basketball full of vitriol, precision and destruction. —Jared Weiss, New York Times, 23 May 2026

But would even the biggest box-office bump justify such roughshod mistreatment of primary material? —Justin Chang, New Yorker, 14 Jan. 2026

Adverb

Supporters of Palestine Action and civil liberties groups said the arrests for peaceful protest ride roughshod over free speech and the right to protest. —ABC News, 15 June 2026

Tom Brady and Randy Moss ran roughshod over the entire league, setting all sorts of passing records in the process and guiding the Pats to a perfect 16-0 regular season. —Austin Perry Outkick, FOXNews.com, 29 May 2026

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

circa 1688, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Adverb

1778, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing roughshod

• ride roughshod
• run roughshod

Rhymes for roughshod

• abroad
• applaud
• backboard
• ballade
• defraud
• ephod
• facade
• guffawed
• outlawed
• ramrod
• slipshod
• tripod

Kids Definition

roughshod

adverb

rough·​shod

ˈrəf-ˈshäd

: with no consideration for the wishes or feelings of others

—usually used in the phrase ride roughshod over or run roughshod over