stonewall

[ stohn-wawl ]

verb (used without object)

1. to engage in stonewalling.
2. British. filibuster ( def 3 ).
3. Cricket. (of a batsman) to play a defensive game, as by persistently blocking the ball instead of batting it for distance and runs.

verb (used with object)

1. Informal. to block, stall, or resist intentionally:

   lobbying efforts to stonewall passage of the legislation.

2. British. to obstruct (the passage of a legislative bill) in Parliament, especially by excessive or prolonged debate.

adjective

1. pertaining to or characteristic of stonewalling:

   a new round of stonewall tactics.

stonewall

/ ˌstəʊnˈwɔːl /

verb

1. intr cricket (of a batsman) to play defensively
2. to obstruct or hinder (parliamentary business)

Derived Forms

• ˌstoneˈwaller, noun

Other Word Forms

• stonewaller noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of stonewall¹

v. and adj. use of noun phrase stone wall

Example Sentences

McConnell invoked an iffy senatorial precedent to stonewall Garland’s confirmation, claiming that the Senate shouldn’t confirm high court appointees in the final year of a presidency.

From Salon

The Cold War-era cudgel aimed at winning over the hearts and minds of the developing world stonewalled Musk's auditors when they requested documents they did not have clearance to view.

From Salon

They dissemble and they stonewall the press, and they do every time.

From Salon

He asked again for similar accommodations this year but said the county stonewalled the request, leading him to sue the L.A.

From Los Angeles Times

Still, the wives’ and relatives’ calls to bring mobilized reservists home have been stonewalled by Russia’s government-controlled media, and some pro-Kremlin politicians have sought to cast them as Western stooges.

From Seattle Times

Related Words

• rebuff