stonewall
STOHN-wawl
/ˈstoʊnˌwɔːl/
To obstruct or delay a discussion, investigation, or legal process by refusing to answer questions or cooperate.
Implies a stubborn, passive-aggressive refusal to communicate, often used by politicians, corporations, or spouses during a conflict.
The story behind the word. Originally a cricket term from the late 19th century, 'stonewalling' described a batsman playing purely defensively, scoring no runs but preventing the other team from getting them out. It was later adopted in politics to describe politicians acting like a literal stone wall—impenetrable, silent, and unyielding.
Word relationships
- filibuster: Filibuster is a specific legislative speech-making delay tactic, while stonewall is a general refusal to cooperate or share information.
- stymie: Stymie means to prevent or hinder the progress of something, whereas stonewall specifically emphasizes a lack of communication or cooperation.
- cooperate: To work together and share information openly.
- disclose: To make secret or new information known.
Commonly confused with
- obstruct: Obstruct can be physical or procedural, while stonewall is almost always communicative (refusing to speak or share details).
Word family
- stonewaller (noun): A person who refuses to cooperate or answer questions.
- stonewalling (noun): The practice of refusing to cooperate.
Collocations
- stonewall an investigation
- stonewall the press
- accused of stonewalling
Example sentences
- "The executive chose to stonewall the committee, offering only evasive answers during the hearing." A news report on a corporate scandal investigation.
Memory hook
Imagine a person turning their face into a literal 'stone wall' when you ask them a question. Be as silent and unyielding as a stone wall.
When not to use
Do not use for physical barriers blocking a road; use 'obstruct' or 'block' instead.
Fun facts
- In psychology, 'stonewalling' is identified by relationship expert John Gottman as one of the 'Four Horsemen'—behaviors that predict the end of a marriage.
Related words
Explore more words
stall, impasse, dilatory, Intransigent, deadlock, intransigence
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