Definition

Noun: A situation where a number of vehicles are blocked together, typically in traffic, causing severe congestion and very slow or stopped movement.

Usage

This word is used to describe a severe traffic jam where vehicles are entangled and movement is extremely difficult or impossible. It emphasizes the chaotic, tangled nature of the congestion.

Examples

• The accident caused a complete snarl-up on the motorway, with traffic at a standstill for miles.
• We were late for the meeting due to a major snarl-up in the city center.
• Roadworks during rush hour often lead to a snarl-up.

Advanced Usage

• "to snarl up" (phrasal verb): The verb form means to cause such a traffic jam or to become entangled in this way.
  • A broken-down lorry snarled up traffic for hours.
  • The protest march snarled up the main roads.

Variants and Related Words

• Snarl (verb): To become entangled or congested. Can also refer to an animal's aggressive growl.
• Traffic jam (noun): A more common and general synonym.
• Gridlock (noun): An extreme form of traffic jam where no movement is possible in any direction.

Synonyms

• Traffic jam
• Gridlock
• Congestion
• Tailback
• Bottleneck

Phrasal Verbs

• Snarl up: To cause something, especially traffic, to become severely congested and tangled.
  • The parade will snarl up downtown traffic this afternoon.

Noun

1. a number of vehicles blocking one another until they can scarcely move