Library / English Dictionary

STONEWALL

Pronunciation (US):

(GB):

 I. (verb) 

Sense 1

Meaning:

Engage in delaying tactics or refuse to cooperate

Example:

The President stonewalled when he realized the plot was being uncovered by a journalist

Classified under:

Verbs of size, temperature change, intensifying, etc.

Hypernyms (to "stonewall" is one way to...):

delay; detain; hold up (cause to be slowed down or delayed)

Sentence frame:

Somebody ----s

Derivation:

stonewaller (one who stonewalls or refuses to answer or cooperate; someone who delays by lengthy speeches etc.)

Sense 2

Meaning:

Obstruct or hinder any discussion

Example:

When she doesn't like to face a problem, she simply stonewalls

Classified under:

Verbs of telling, asking, ordering, singing

Hypernyms (to "stonewall" is one way to...):

block; blockade; embarrass; hinder; obstruct; stymie; stymy (hinder or prevent the progress or accomplishment of)

Sentence frames:

Somebody ----s
Somebody ----s something
Somebody ----s somebody

Derivation:

stonewaller (one who stonewalls or refuses to answer or cooperate; someone who delays by lengthy speeches etc.)

stonewalling (stalling or delaying especially by refusing to answer questions or cooperate)

Credits