Definition

1. Verb (intransitive):
   • To engage in delaying tactics or to refuse to cooperate, especially by giving evasive or non-committal answers, often in a political or official context.
2. Verb (transitive):
   • To obstruct or hinder a process, investigation, or discussion by refusing to answer questions or provide information.

Usage

• The verb "stonewall" describes a deliberate strategy of non-cooperation and obstruction, typically to avoid addressing a difficult issue, question, or investigation.
• It is often used in political, legal, or bureaucratic contexts but can apply to personal situations where someone refuses to engage.

Examples

• Intransitive use (verb without a direct object):
  • The committee will likely stonewall until the public pressure becomes too great.
  • When asked about the missing funds, the manager simply stonewalled.
• Transitive use (verb with a direct object):
  • The administration attempted to stonewall the congressional inquiry.
  • She stonewalled every question from the reporters.

Advanced Usage

• "to stonewall someone": To deliberately refuse to cooperate with or give answers to a specific person or group.
  • The witness was accused of trying to stonewall the prosecutor.
• The term originates from the name of Confederate General Thomas "Stonewall" Jackson, implying an immovable, defensive position.

Variants and Related Words

• Stonewalling (gerund/noun): The act or practice of obstructing or delaying.
  • The investigation was met with relentless stonewalling from the company's lawyers.

Synonyms

• Obstruct: To block or impede.
• Stall: To delay or cause to delay.
• Hinder: To create difficulties, resulting in delay or obstruction.
• Block: To stop something from happening or progressing.

Related Phrasal Verbs/Idioms

(Note: "Stonewall" itself is not commonly used in phrasal verb constructions. Its meaning is contained within the single verb.) - To give someone the silent treatment: A related informal idiom for refusing to communicate, though less formal and strategic than "stonewall." - After their argument, he gave her the silent treatment for days.

Verb

1. engage in delaying tactics or refuse to cooperate
   • The President stonewalled when he realized the plot was being uncovered by a journalist
2. obstruct or hinder any discussion
   • Nixon stonewalled the Watergate investigation
   • When she doesn't like to face a problem, she simply stonewalls