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

Metellus said Saintremy and other directors have tried to promote the center and the events, but have hit consistent roadblocks. —Miami Herald, 28 Jan. 2026

Other Republicans would have opposed the measure, creating a roadblock for the broader crypto legislation’s progress. —Carlos Garcia, Fortune, 27 Jan. 2026

The Legislature’s first attempt to stop Boise from flying the Pride flag outside City Hall hit a roadblock. —Idaho Statesman, 26 Jan. 2026

What is the primary legal roadblock? —Isaac Chotiner, New Yorker, 26 Jan. 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