roadblock
Police checkpoint barrier
A roadblock is a barrier set up to stop or check traffic, typically by police or military: They set up roadblocks throughout the city looking for the suspect.
Figuratively, a roadblock is any obstacle that halts progress: Budget cuts proved a major roadblock to the project.
The word emphasizes something that stops movement entirely rather than merely slowing it.
Obstruction preventing passage
- barricadeObstacle blocking a path
- obstructionSomething blocking the way
- bollardTraffic-blocking vertical post
- conesTapering geometric solids
sawhorse · cordons · sandbags · fence · checkpoint · closure · perimeter
Mutual blocking, no progress
- stalemateMutual obstruction preventing progress
- standstillTotal cessation of movement
- dead-endPassage without exit
- standoffUnresolved confrontation between opponents
gridlock · halt · breakdown · logjam · negotiation · quagmire · paralysis · inaction
Thing that obstructs progress
- hindranceBarrier to progress
- obstructionSomething blocking the way
- barrierObstruction preventing passage
- snagUnforeseen complication
hurdle · setback · complication · difficulty · bottleneck · holdup · delay · problem
Alternate path around obstruction
- diversionRedirection of attention
- rerouteSend a different way
- bypassRoute that skirts obstacles
- backupStored duplicate for recovery
delay · congestion · closure · construction · accident · slowdown · commute · navigation
Public display of opinion
- sit-inProtest by remaining seated
- occupationOne's regular paid work
- activistsPeople working for causes
- protestersThose publicly opposing something
march · rally · disruption · resistance · standoff · strike · solidarity · placards
Formal assessment of condition
- securityProtection from threat
- patrolRegular surveillance route
- borderOuter edge or limit
- customsTraditional practices or import taxes
immigration · screening · stop · search · identification · papers · clearance · enforcement
barrier
Obstruction preventing passage
- barricadeObstacle blocking a path
- obstructionSomething blocking the way
- bollardTraffic-blocking vertical post
cones · sawhorse · cordons · sandbags · fence · checkpoint · closure · perimeter
deadlock
Mutual blocking, no progress
- stalemateMutual obstruction preventing progress
- standstillTotal cessation of movement
- dead-endPassage without exit
standoff · gridlock · halt · breakdown · logjam · negotiation · quagmire · paralysis · inaction · stuck
impediment
Thing that obstructs progress
- hindranceBarrier to progress
- obstructionSomething blocking the way
- barrierObstruction preventing passage
snag · hurdle · setback · complication · difficulty · bottleneck · holdup · delay · problem · challenge
detour
Alternate path around obstruction
backup · delay · congestion · closure · construction · accident · slowdown · commute · navigation
demonstration
Public display of opinion
- sit-inProtest by remaining seated
- occupationOne's regular paid work
- activistsPeople working for causes
protesters · march · rally · disruption · resistance · standoff · strike · solidarity · placards · chanting
inspection
Formal assessment of condition
customs · immigration · screening · stop · search · identification · papers · clearance · enforcement · authority
- road closuresdetour, barricade, lane closure, tunnel closure, roadwork
- travel obstaclesdetour, traffic jam, gridlock, congestion, barricade
- challengeschallenge, difficult, hard, challenging, tough
- DUIdrunk tank, implied consent, field sobriety test, breathalyzer, BAC test
- obstructionobstruction, delay, barricade, bottleneck, logjam
- traffic stopstraffic stop, police stop, DUI checkpoint, pullover, sobriety test
roadblockclear path
Unobstructed way forward
open road · green light · free passage · smooth sailing · clear sailing
roadblockbreakthrough
Sudden important advance
advantage · clear path · green light · boost · aid