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

However, there are a number of roadblocks preventing construction from keeping up with demand, including the rising costs of building materials, lot size requirements, density restrictions and project reviews that can take up to 24 months. —Emmie Martin, Cfp®, CNBC, 24 Dec. 2024

In much of the world, drivers can avoid—or at least, anticipate—these kinds of roadblocks by checking apps such as Google Maps. —Paresh Dave, WIRED, 23 Dec. 2024

This article examines causes for inclusion resistance and strategies to succeed as an inclusive leader during hiccups or roadblocks. —Simone E. Morris, Forbes, 22 Dec. 2024

The Federal Reserve's December rate cut will no doubt give borrowers a bit more breathing room in 2025, but the path to even lower rates could face a few roadblocks ahead in 2025. —Susan Tompor, Detroit Free Press, 18 Dec. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1913, in the meaning defined at sense 1b

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