roadblock
UK: ˈrəʊdblɒk | US: ˈroʊdblɑːk
n. a barrier or obstruction placed across a road to halt or control traffic
n. (figurative) an obstacle or hindrance to progress
The word "roadblock" is a compound of "road" (from Old English rād, meaning "riding, journey, path") and "block" (from Old French bloc, meaning "log, obstacle"). It emerged in the early 20th century, originally referring to physical barriers set up by law enforcement or military forces. Over time, it gained a metaphorical sense, describing any impediment to progress. The logic is straightforward: a "block" on a "road" literally or figuratively stops forward movement.
The police set up a roadblock to catch the fleeing suspect.
The new regulations became a roadblock for small businesses.
Protesters formed a human roadblock to stop the construction vehicles.
Lack of funding is the biggest roadblock to completing the project.
The team brainstormed ways to overcome the roadblock in their research.