The spelling of the word "more stonewalling" can by sound challenging, but it can be broken down using the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA). The first syllable "more" is pronounced as /mɔːr/, with an open o sound and a long r sound. The second syllable "stone" is pronounced as /stəʊn/, with a short o sound and an emphasis on the n sound. The final syllable "walling" is pronounced as /ˈwɔːlɪŋ/, with a long a sound and a slight emphasis on the l sound. Together, the word is pronounced as /mɔːr stəʊnˈwɔːlɪŋ/.
More stonewalling refers to an escalated or intensified form of the act of stonewalling, which is a defensive tactic typically employed in interpersonal communication or negotiation situations. Stonewalling, in its essence, refers to deliberately avoiding or evading providing information, answers, or cooperation, often manifesting as refusing to engage in conversation, ignoring questions, or remaining silent.
When someone engages in more stonewalling, they are stepping up this behavior. It implies that they are becoming even more resistant, uncooperative, or unresponsive than before. Rather than finding a solution or seeking resolution, individuals resorting to more stonewalling may intensify their refusal to participate or communicate, making it even harder for the opposing party to find common ground or proceed with the conversation. This can impede progress, hinder understanding, and create frustration or conflict.
More stonewalling can occur in various contexts such as personal relationships, business negotiations, legal proceedings, or even political exchanges, deliberately obstructing meaningful dialogue and problem-solving. It is often used as a way to maintain power, control, or dominance over a situation or to avoid facing accountability, vulnerability, or uncomfortable truths.
Given the increased level of unresponsiveness and resistance involved, addressing more stonewalling requires strategies centered around fostering trust, maintaining patience, actively listening, and seeking alternative channels of communication. It necessitates creating an environment that encourages open and honest dialogue to potentially break down barriers and eventually overcome the obstruction posed by someone engaged in more stonewalling.
The term "stonewalling" has a fairly straightforward etymology. It comes from the combination of two words: "stone" and "wall".
"Stone" refers to the hard, solid material typically found naturally and used in construction, while "wall" refers to a vertical structure that serves as a boundary or a barrier. The act of "stonewalling" originally referred to the construction of walls using stones, specifically when stones were joined together without mortar. This technique allowed the stones to interlock and create a sturdy structure.
Over time, the term "stonewalling" gained a metaphorical meaning. It started being used to describe a defensive or evasive behavior when interacting with others. Similar to a stone wall, someone who engages in stonewalling adopts a rigid and unyielding stance, refusing to provide information, cooperate, or engage in meaningful conversation.