Stonewalling: meaning, definitions and examples

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stonewalling

 

[ ˈstoʊnˌwɔːlɪŋ ]

Verb
Context #1 | Verb

communication obstacle

Stonewalling refers to the act of refusing to communicate or cooperate with someone, often as a tactic to avoid confrontation or to evade responsibility. This behavior can manifest in various forms, including silence, vague responses, or outright refusal to engage in dialogue. It is commonly seen in personal relationships, negotiations, or political contexts. Stonewalling can lead to frustration and unresolved issues if not addressed properly.

Synonyms

evading, obstructing, withholding.

Examples of usage

  • During the meeting, he started stonewalling when asked about his team's performance.
  • She felt hurt by his stonewalling during their argument.
  • The politician was stonewalling reporters, refusing to answer their questions.
  • Their relationship suffered greatly due to frequent stonewalling.

Translations

Translations of the word "stonewalling" in other languages:

🇵🇹 obstrução

🇮🇳 अवरोध

🇩🇪 Blockade

🇮🇩 penutupan

🇺🇦 заблокування

🇵🇱 blokada

🇯🇵 妨害

🇫🇷 obstruction

🇪🇸 obstrucción

🇹🇷 engelleme

🇰🇷 차단

🇸🇦 حواجز

🇨🇿 blokování

🇸🇰 blokovanie

🇨🇳 阻碍

🇸🇮 ovira

🇮🇸 hindrun

🇰🇿 бұғаттау

🇬🇪 ბლოკირება

🇦🇿 maneə

🇲🇽 obstrucción

Etymology

The term 'stonewalling' originates from the strategy employed during the American Civil War by Confederate General Thomas 'Stonewall' Jackson, who earned his nickname for his steadfastness and determination in battle. By holding fast against overwhelming odds, he represented a figurative 'stone wall' that could not be breached. Over time, the word transitioned into a broader metaphorical usage in everyday language, particularly in contexts of communication and relationship dynamics. It began to describe behaviors that involve creating barriers or refusals to engage, often leading to complications in resolving disputes or misunderstandings. This shift in meaning reflects societal changes in how conflict and avoidance are perceived in personal and professional interactions. As society continues to grapple with communication styles, 'stonewalling' has gained additional significance in psychology and relationship counseling, highlighting the importance of open communication in preventing emotional distance.