Definition

1. Noun:
   • A physical barrier on a road: A barrier or obstruction set up by authorities, typically police, to stop and check vehicles, often to enforce laws, conduct inspections, or apprehend someone.
   • A figurative obstacle: Any condition, situation, or problem that prevents or hinders progress or the achievement of a goal.

Usage Examples

• Noun (Physical Barrier):
  • The police set up a roadblock to search for the escaped prisoner.
  • Drivers were delayed for an hour due to a safety inspection roadblock.
• Noun (Figurative Obstacle):
  • Lack of funding became a major roadblock to completing the research project.
  • We hit a legal roadblock that stopped the merger from proceeding.

Advanced Usage

• "To run into a roadblock": To encounter an unexpected problem or obstacle.
  • Our plans to expand ran into a bureaucratic roadblock.
• "To remove a roadblock": To eliminate an obstacle.
  • The new agreement removed the final roadblock to peace talks.

Variants and Related Words

• Barrier (n): A fence or other obstacle that blocks movement or access. (Can be both physical and figurative).
• Obstacle (n): A thing that blocks one's way or prevents or hinders progress.
• Checkpoint (n): A place, especially a barrier or manned entrance, where traffic is stopped for inspection.

Synonyms

• Hindrance: Something that provides resistance, delay, or obstruction to progress.
• Impediment: A hindrance or obstruction in doing something.
• Blockade: An act of sealing off a place to prevent goods or people from entering or leaving.

Related Phrases

• Roadblock to success: A specific obstacle preventing achievement.
  • His fear of failure was the biggest roadblock to his success.
• To face a roadblock: To be confronted with a significant obstacle.
  • The development team faced a technical roadblock they couldn't solve.

Related Idioms

• Hit a roadblock: To suddenly encounter a serious problem that stops progress.
  • The negotiations hit a roadblock when neither side would compromise on the key issue.

Noun

1. a barrier set up by police to stop traffic on a street or road in order to catch a fugitive or inspect traffic etc.
2. any condition that makes it difficult to make progress or to achieve an objective
   • intolerance is a barrier to understanding