steamroller

[ steem-roh-ler ]

noun

1. a heavy steam-powered vehicle having a roller for crushing, compacting, or leveling materials used for a road or the like.
2. (not in technical use) any similar vehicle with a roller.
3. an overpowering force, especially one that crushes all opposition with ruthless disregard for individual rights.

verb (used with object)

1. to crush or flatten with a steamroller.
2. to overcome with superior force:

   to steamroller the competition.

3. to bring about the adoption of by overwhelming pressure:

   to steamroller the resolution through.

verb (used without object)

1. to proceed with implacable force.

adjective

1. suggestive of a steamroller; ruthlessly overpowering:

   steamroller tactics.

steamroller

/ ˈstiːmˌrəʊlə /

noun

1. 1. a steam-powered vehicle with heavy rollers at the front and rear used for compressing road surfaces during road-making
   2. another word for roadroller
2. 1. an overpowering force or a person with such force that overcomes all opposition
   2. ( as modifier )

      steamroller tactics

verb

1. tr to crush (opposition, etc) by overpowering force

Word History and Origins

Origin of steamroller¹

First recorded in 1865–70; steam + roller ¹

Example Sentences

Kristen Welker got steamrollered by Trump, showing that she and the ‘Meet the Press’ team were unprepared for a crucial encounter.

From Los Angeles Times

It will take some doing to overhaul the Oppenheimer steamroller, but stranger things have happened.

From BBC

Awards season steamroller “ Oppenheimer ” is among the nominees for the PGA’s top award to be handed out later Sunday night.

From Seattle Times

She first played the part on Broadway in 2015, in a defiant, exuberant turn that The New York Times likened to a “homemade steamroller.”

From New York Times

It went unconverted but, despite Care's return to the field, the hosts moved 20-5 ahead when Cokanasiga steamrollered over Smith's attempted tackle. allowing Russell to land his first conversion of the game.

From BBC