Roadblock: meaning, definitions and examples
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roadblock
[ ˈrəʊdblɒk ]
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.
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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.
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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.
|
checkpoint |
Used when talking about a designated spot for inspection, usually by authorities, or a progress marker in a structured process.
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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.
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
Etymology
The term 'roadblock' originated in the early 20th century, combining 'road' and 'block'. Roadblocks have been used throughout history for various purposes, from military operations to traffic control. The concept of blocking a road to control movement dates back centuries, but the modern use of roadblocks for law enforcement and safety purposes became more prevalent in the 20th century.