English Dictionary |
STONEWALL
Pronunciation (US): | (GB): |
IPA (US): |
Dictionary entry overview: What does stonewall mean?
• STONEWALL (verb)
The verb STONEWALL has 2 senses:
1. obstruct or hinder any discussion
2. engage in delaying tactics or refuse to cooperate
Familiarity information: STONEWALL used as a verb is rare.
Dictionary entry details
Conjugation: |
Past simple: stonewalled
Past participle: stonewalled
-ing form: stonewalling
Sense 1
Meaning:
Obstruct or hinder any discussion
Classified under:
Verbs of telling, asking, ordering, singing
Context example:
When she doesn't like to face a problem, she simply stonewalls
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)
Sense 2
Meaning:
Engage in delaying tactics or refuse to cooperate
Classified under:
Verbs of size, temperature change, intensifying, etc.
Context example:
The President stonewalled when he realized the plot was being uncovered by a journalist
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.)
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