roadblock

[/ˈroʊdblɑːk/]
nounpl: roadblocks
bloqueio de estrada; obstáculo
1. A barrier or checkpoint set up on a road to stop and inspect vehicles, typically by police or military
The police set up a roadblock to check drivers for drunk driving.
A polícia montou um bloqueio de estrada para verificar motoristas dirigindo embriagados.
2. Any obstacle or obstruction that prevents progress or movement
Lack of funding is a major roadblock to the project's completion.
A falta de financiamento é um grande obstáculo para a conclusão do projeto.
3. A physical obstruction placed across a road to prevent passage
The fallen tree created a roadblock that prevented traffic flow.
A árvore caída criou um bloqueio que impediu o fluxo de trânsito.
In the USA, roadblocks are commonly associated with police checkpoints for DUI enforcement, particularly during holidays. In Brazil, 'bloqueio' is frequently used in news contexts related to traffic control and protests. The metaphorical use (meaning obstacle) is widespread in business and project management language in both cultures.
NYC Slang
stop-and-frisk checkpoint (when referring to police operations)
Synonyms / Sinônimos
obstaclebarrierblockadeobstructioncheckpointhindrance
Antonyms / Antônimos
clearancepassageopeningaccess

Regional Variations

General Brazilian
bloqueio de estrada; obstáculo; barreira
Most common usage in formal and informal contexts
Rio de Janeiro
bloqueio; barreira
Commonly used in discussions of police operations
São Paulo
bloqueio; obstáculo
Used frequently in traffic and business contexts
Portugal
barreira rodoviária; bloqueio; obstáculo
More formal usage; 'barreira rodoviária' is preferred for traffic checkpoints

Related Words

checkpointbarricadeobstructiontrafficdetourimpediment

Related Idioms & Phrases

roadblock to success
hit a roadblock
remove the roadblock
overcome a roadblock
Look up more words on Fala2Me
The free English-Portuguese dictionary with real Brazilian accents, NYC slang, conjugator and more
Open Fala2Me →