Steamroll Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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steamroll

[หˆstiหmหŒroสŠl ]

Definition

Context #1 | Verb

action

To steamroll means to level, crush, or press with a steamroller. It can also be used figuratively to describe overwhelming or dominating a situation or person without regard for their feelings or opinions.

Synonyms

crush, dominate, flatten, overwhelm.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
steamroll

Duplicate entry: See previous definition for 'steamroll'.

flatten

Used when something or someone is made completely flat or level, often in a physical sense. It can also mean to defeat completely, but it may lack the emotional intensity of 'crush.'

  • The storm flattened several houses in its path.
  • The boxer flattened his opponent with a single punch.
overwhelm

Used to describe a situation where someone is flooded with more things than they can handle, whether emotionally, physically, or mentally. It often implies a sense of being overpowered but not necessarily destroyed.

  • She was overwhelmed with work and couldn't meet the deadline.
  • The beauty of the landscape overwhelmed him.
crush

Used when someone or something completely defeats or destroys another, often emphasizing power and finality. It can also imply emotional destruction and often has a negative undertone.

  • The team crushed their opponents in the final match.
  • He was crushed by the news of his friend's betrayal.
dominate

Used to describe someone or something that has a commanding influence or control over others, often in a competitive or authoritative context. It can be neutral or slightly positive depending on the scenario.

  • She tends to dominate every conversation with her strong opinions.
  • The company has managed to dominate the tech industry for the past decade.

Examples of usage

  • He steamrolled his way through the opposition in the debate.
  • She steamrolled over her colleagues' objections to push through her proposal.
  • The company steamrolled the smaller competitors by undercutting prices.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Origin of 'steamroll'

The term 'steamroll' originated from the early 20th century practice of using steamrollers for road construction. The verb form evolved from the image of a steamroller flattening or crushing obstacles in its path. Over time, 'steamroll' has been adapted to describe the act of overpowering or dominating in various contexts.


See also: steam, steamboat, steamer, steaming, steamship.