"Stonewall" Pronounce,Meaning And Examples

"Stonewall" Meaning

1. To resist stubbornly or firmly against someone or something: "She stonewalled her opponent's arguments, refusing to budge an inch."

2. To refuse to answer questions or provide information, especially in a way that is considered hostile or obstructive: "The company stonewalled the investigator, refusing to provide any details about the incident."

(Example from: the Stonewall riots in New York City in 1969, a turning point in the modern LGBTQ rights movement.)

Note: This word originated from a police raid on a gay bar, where patrons resisted arrest, leading to a major protests and a catalyst for the modern LGBTQ rights movement.)

"Stonewall" Examples

5 Usage Examples of the Word "stonewall"

1. Turning a stonewall.

Apply stonewall as a verb to mean to stand firm in opposition or refusal to cooperate.

Example: "The villagers decided to stonewall the developers' proposal for a new construction project."

2. A stonewall in sports.

When referring to sports, stonewall can describe a defensive strategy where a player or team presents a strong barrier or obstacle to an opponent.

Example: "The goalkeeper employed a clever stonewall defense to deflect the opposing team's shots on goal."

3. A stonewall in History.

Stonewall Jackson was the nickname given to Thomas Jonathan Jackson, an American Confederate general in the Civil War.

Example: "Stonewall Jackson was known for his strategic brilliance and bravery on the battlefield."

4. To stonewall someone.

To stonewall someone means to attack them with facts or evidence to silence them or to prove them wrong.

Example: "The journalist was faced with tough questions and had to stonewall the hung-over politician to get straight answers."

5. A stonewall in construction.

To build with stonewall, referring to a massive wall especially built for defense, often made of stone.

Example: "The ancient civilization built a stonewall to protect its city from invaders."