STEAMROLLER Definition & Meaning

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steamroller

[ steem-roh-ler ]

Phonetic (Standard)IPA

noun

a heavy steam-powered vehicle having a roller for crushing, compacting, or leveling materials used for a road or the like.
(not in technical use) any similar vehicle with a roller.
an overpowering force, especially one that crushes all opposition with ruthless disregard for individual rights.

verb (used with object)

to crush or flatten with a steamroller.
to overcome with superior force:
to steamroller the competition.
to bring about the adoption of by overwhelming pressure:
to steamroller the resolution through.

verb (used without object)

to proceed with implacable force.

adjective

suggestive of a steamroller; ruthlessly overpowering:
steamroller tactics.

steamroller

/ ˈ��پ�ː��ˌ��əʊ��ə /

noun

1. a steam-powered vehicle with heavy rollers at the front and rear used for compressing road surfaces during road-making
2. another word for roadroller
1. an overpowering force or a person with such force that overcomes all opposition
2. ( as modifier )
  steamroller tactics

verb

tr to crush (opposition, etc) by overpowering force

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�y��vlog History and Origins

Origin of steamroller¹

First recorded in 1865–70; steam + roller ¹

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Example Sentences

Examples have not been reviewed.

But President Trump, Taylor Swift and the rest left New Orleans wondering what had happened to two-time champion Kansas City Chiefs as they were steamrollered by the Philadelphia Eagles.

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It’s already abundantly clear that Trump can intimidate, corrupt, steamroller or ignore aides, legislators, donors and journalists who tell him the truth.

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My impression is that Trump’s use of “shock and awe” is effective at making people feel the situation is hopeless and making them feel totally powerless against the steamroller of right-wing politics.

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"It was like a steamroller that crushed everything," Nasrine, a teacher who did not give her last name, told AFP in her destroyed neighbourhood in Pamandzi.

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New Zealand, on the back of an historic 3-0 series win in India, started this series as favourites only to be steamrollered in barely seven days of Test cricket.

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