Definitions

from The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, 5th Edition.

  • noun A steam-driven machine equipped with a heavy roller for smoothing road surfaces.
  • noun A similar machine with an internal-combustion engine.
  • noun A ruthless or irresistible force or power.
  • intransitive verb To smooth or level (a road) with a steamroller.
  • intransitive verb To overwhelm or suppress ruthlessly; crush.
  • intransitive verb To move or proceed with overwhelming or crushing force.

from Wiktionary, Creative Commons Attribution/Share-Alike License.

  • noun a steam-powered heavy road roller
  • noun informal Any heavy road roller
  • noun by extension any seemingly irresistible force
  • noun a pipe, used for smoking cannabis, open at both ends and having a bowl near one end; it rolls the smoke (steam)
  • verb to level a road using a steamroller
  • verb to proceed ruthlessly against all opposition as if with an overwhelming force; to overpower

from WordNet 3.0 Copyright 2006 by Princeton University. All rights reserved.

  • verb bring to a specified state by overwhelming force or pressure
  • verb make level or flat with a steamroller
  • noun a massive inexorable force that seems to crush everything in its way
  • verb crush with a steamroller as if to level
  • noun vehicle equipped with heavy wide smooth rollers for compacting roads and pavements
  • verb overwhelm by using great force
  • verb proceed with great force

Etymologies

Sorry, no etymologies found.

Support

Help support Wordnik (and make this page ad-free) by adopting the word steamroller.

Examples

  • Spitzer is using what he calls steamroller tactics.

    CNN Transcript Oct 17, 2007 2007

  • The governor using what he calls steamroller tactics and frankly, he says in has nothing to do with immigration.

    CNN Transcript Oct 21, 2007 2007

  • Spitzer ignoring the will of his people in New York using what he calls steamroller tactics to crush the opposition.

    CNN Transcript Oct 17, 2007 2007

  • He may be what he calls a steamroller, but I think he's a weak-kneed, spineless steamroller, who is absolutely acting against the interests of his citizens and ignoring, ignoring the will of New York State citizens.

    CNN Transcript Oct 17, 2007 2007

  • The governor using what he calls steamroller tactics and frankly, he says in has nothing to do with immigration.

    CNN Transcript Oct 20, 2007 2007

  • But unless it comes out of the gates strong, I doubt it will return next Fall, especially considering the fact that NBC will at that time cede five hours of Prime Time programming per week to Jay Leno (and seeing asKings will occupy the 10 PM slot, the Leno steamroller is heading in its direction).

    Which Shows will get Cancelled (Part 2) 2009

  • But unless it comes out of the gates strong, I doubt it will return next Fall, especially considering the fact that NBC will at that time cede five hours of Prime Time programming per week to Jay Leno (and seeing asKings will occupy the 10 PM slot, the Leno steamroller is heading in its direction).

    15 « January « 2009 « Axiom's Edge Science Fiction and Fantasy 2009

  • You use that word steamroller, which is something he said when he first came into office.

    CNN Transcript Mar 11, 2008 2008

  • If anyone believes the Spartans 'steamroller is losing speed, consider they have been No. 1 in USATODAY's final Super 25 ranking three of the past four years.

    USATODAY.com - De La Salle isn't at a loss 2002

  • Not just about you sexual indiscretions, but also your self righteous conduct as Attorney General and your attitude that you are the "steamroller".

    Spitzer wants to run again 2010

Comments

Log in or sign up to get involved in the conversation. It's quick and easy.