Roadblock: meaning, definitions and examples

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roadblock

[ˈrəʊdblɒk ]

Definition

^{Context #1 | Noun}

traffic control

A roadblock is a barrier set up by law enforcement or other authorities to control or block traffic flow. It is often used for safety reasons, to prevent access to a certain area, or to catch suspects.

Synonyms

barrier, checkpoint, obstruction.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
roadblock	When referring to a physical or metaphorical hindrance that completely stops progress. Often used in everyday conversations or business contexts. We hit a roadblock in our project when the main server went down. The fallen tree created a roadblock on the highway.
barrier	For situations involving obstacles that restrict or limit access, movement, or progress. This can be physical, like a fence, or abstract, like language barriers. The language barrier made it difficult for them to communicate. The construction workers set up barriers to keep pedestrians safe.
obstruction	Refers to something that blocks or gets in the way, often used in legal, medical, or technical contexts. It can imply a deliberate or accidental hindrance. There's an obstruction in the patient's airway that needs immediate attention. The politician was charged with obstruction of justice.
checkpoint	Used when talking about a designated spot for inspection, usually by authorities, or a progress marker in a structured process. We had to stop at the checkpoint before entering the restricted area. The project's first checkpoint is scheduled for next Monday.

Examples of usage

The police set up a roadblock to catch the bank robbers.
There was a roadblock on the highway due to a car accident.
Drivers had to detour around the roadblock.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word 'roadblock' comes from 'road' and 'block', meaning something that blocks the way on a road.
The first uses of 'roadblock' date back to the early 20th century, when it was used in both military and civilian contexts.

Law Enforcement

Police use roadblocks during emergencies or to check for safety, like searching for drunk drivers or controlling traffic.
They can also be used in criminal investigations to catch suspects trying to escape.

Civil Engineering

Roadblocks can be temporary, like those seen during construction, or permanent, such as gates on private roads.
Engineers design roadblocks to ensure safety, especially at construction sites or accident areas.

Figurative Use

In discussions about personal goals, a 'roadblock' might refer to challenges or obstacles that make it hard to achieve something.
People often say 'mental roadblocks' when they feel stuck and can't think of new ideas.

Pop Culture

In movies and books, protagonists often encounter roadblocks on their journeys, symbolizing challenges they must overcome.
Video games frequently feature roadblocks as obstacles players must navigate to progress in the storyline.

Translations

Translations of the word "roadblock" in other languages:

🇵🇹 bloqueio na estrada

🇮🇳 सड़क पर बाधा

🇩🇪 Straßensperre

🇮🇩 penghalang jalan

🇺🇦 перешкода на дорозі

🇵🇱 blokada drogowa

🇯🇵 道路障害

🇫🇷 barrage routier

🇪🇸 barrera en la carretera

🇹🇷 yol engeli

🇰🇷 도로 장애물

🇸🇦 حاجز على الطريق

🇨🇿 dopravní překážka

🇸🇰 cestná prekážka

🇨🇳 路障

🇸🇮 cestna ovira

🇮🇸 vegatálmi

🇰🇿 жол кедергісі

🇬🇪 გზის დაბრკოლება

🇦🇿 yol maneəsi

🇲🇽 bloqueo vial