stonewall

1 of 2

verb

stone·​wall ˈstōn-ˌwȯl 

stonewalled; stonewalling; stonewalls

intransitive verb

1

chiefly British : to engage in obstructive parliamentary debate or delaying tactics

2

: to be uncooperative, obstructive, or evasive

transitive verb

: to refuse to comply or cooperate with

stonewaller noun

stone wall

2 of 2

noun

1

: a fence made of stones

especially : one built of rough stones without mortar to enclose a field

2

: an immovable block or obstruction (as in public affairs)

Examples of stonewall in a Sentence

Verb

They stonewalled until they could come up with a response.

They were just stonewalling for time.

They're trying to stonewall the media.

We're trying to get the information, but we're being stonewalled.

Recent Examples on the Web

Verb

Later in the drive, Jefferson stonewalled a screen to receiver Ray-Ray McCloud, driving through the block of tight end Charlie Woerner. —Daniel Popper, The Athletic, 2 Dec. 2024

The Russian and Chinese delegations have frequently teamed up at the Security Council to stonewall or block U.S. initiatives. —Daniel Depetris, Twin Cities, 3 Nov. 2024

Noun

Within a big open dining area underneath a cathedral ceiling, sturdy stone walls and antler light fixtures, this place supplies tourists and locals with burgers, soups, sandwiches, tacos and plenty of other American comfort food. —Michael Barnes, Austin American-Statesman, 19 Dec. 2024

The project involves the demolition of an existing warehouse on the site and the removal of one of its stone walls to create three educational buildings, as well as a perimeter entrance. —Adam Williams, New Atlas, 29 Nov. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

Verb

1880, in the meaning defined at intransitive sense 1

Noun

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

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