stonewalling
|stone-wall-ing|
🇺🇸
/ˈstoʊnˌwɔːlɪŋ/
🇬🇧
/ˈstəʊnˌwɔːlɪŋ/
(stonewall)
refuse to cooperate; block progress
Etymology
'stonewall' originates from English, specifically the compound 'stone wall' (from Old English elements 'stān' meaning 'stone' and 'weall' meaning 'wall'). The verb and figurative senses developed later.
'stone wall' (literal) existed in Old/Middle English; the nickname 'Stonewall' (as in Confederate General Thomas J. 'Stonewall' Jackson, 1861) reinforced the image of standing firm. By the late 19th century, the verb 'to stonewall' — meaning to resist, refuse to cooperate, or delay — was used in political and legal contexts and evolved into the modern 'stonewalling'.
Initially it referred to a literal wall of stone (and by nickname to resolute firmness), but over time it evolved into the current meaning of 'refusing to cooperate or intentionally obstructing or delaying by evasive tactics.'
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
the act or practice of stonewalling; deliberate refusal to communicate, answer, or cooperate — often used to describe evasive tactics in meetings, negotiations, or investigations.
Stonewalling by officials prolonged the investigation and frustrated the public.
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Verb 1
to refuse to answer questions, cooperate, or comply; to delay or obstruct by evasive or uncooperative tactics.
The committee stonewalled when reporters asked about the missing funds.
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Adjective 1
describing behavior or a response that is deliberately uncooperative or evasive.
They gave a stonewalling response to every question about the contract.
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Last updated: 2025/12/04 13:55