Stonewall Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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stonewall
[หstoสnหwษl ]
Definitions
obstructing progress
To stonewall means to delay or obstruct by refusing to answer questions or by avoiding the issue at hand. It is often used in political contexts where a person or group evades providing clear responses, thus hindering progress or decision-making.
Synonyms
Examples of usage
- The committee tried to gather information, but the witness continued to stonewall.
- She felt her boss was stonewalling her requests for more resources.
- During the negotiations, both sides began to stonewall, leading to a deadlock.
historical event
Stonewall generally refers to the Stonewall Riots of 1969, a series of spontaneous demonstrations by members of the LGBTQ+ community against a police raid at the Stonewall Inn in New York City. This event marked a significant turning point in the fight for LGBTQ+ rights and is often seen as the catalyst for the modern LGBTQ+ rights movement.
Synonyms
Examples of usage
- The Stonewall Riots are considered a pivotal moment in gay rights history.
- Many pride events commemorate the anniversary of the Stonewall uprising.
- Activists often refer to Stonewall as the birthplace of the LGBTQ+ rights movement.
Translations
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Origin of 'stonewall'
The term 'stonewall' originates from the historical context of the Stonewall Riots that occurred in June 1969 at the Stonewall Inn, located in Greenwich Village, New York City. These riots were a direct response to a police raid that targeted the gay bar, which was a popular gathering place for the LGBTQ+ community. The name 'Stonewall' itself has become synonymous with the struggle for LGBTQ+ rights, serving as a metaphor for resistance against oppression. Over time, 'to stonewall' evolved as a verb in American English, drawing from the political connotations of evasion and obstruction. The word reflects both the literal action of constructing a wall of stones and the figurative sense of creating barriers to progress in dialogue or ethical consideration.