The word "stonewall" is spelled as /ˈstoʊnwɔːl/, which is pronounced as "stone-wahl". The first syllable "stone" is spelled with an "o" and is pronounced with a long "o" sound. The second syllable "wall" is spelled with an "a" and is pronounced with a short "a" sound. "Stonewall" refers to a tactic used in warfare where soldiers use stones as a form of defense. It can also be used metaphorically to mean a refusal to cooperate or engage in conversation.
Stonewall, as a verb, typically refers to the act of delaying, obstructing, or refusing to cooperate in an intentional and unyielding manner, thereby hindering progress, communication, or resolution. It often involves a deliberate attempt to evade or avoid giving a direct answer or response to a question or issue. This term is commonly used in different contexts, including interpersonal relationships, negotiations, political debates, and legal proceedings.
In interpersonal relationships, when someone stonewalls, they may exhibit a defensive or dismissive behavior where they refuse to engage in a conversation, effectively shutting down communication. This often leaves the other person feeling frustrated, as it prevents the open exchange of ideas or resolution of disputes.
In a political or legal setting, stonewalling commonly refers to the deliberate withholding or manipulation of information, or an unwillingness to comply with requests for transparency or accountability. This may be done in an effort to maintain power, conceal wrongdoing, or hinder progress.
Overall, stonewalling is characterized by a stubborn and persistent refusal to engage, acknowledge, or confront an issue directly. It is often seen as a defensive tactic employed to protect oneself, maintain control, or avoid uncomfortable conversations or outcomes.
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
The word "stonewall" originated in the 16th century in England. It is a compound term formed by combining "stone" and "wall". "Stone" refers to a hard, solid, and durable material, while "wall" refers to a structure used to enclose, protect, or divide an area.
Originally, "stonewall" was simply used to describe a wall constructed with stones, a common building technique. Over time, the term took on additional figurative meanings. In the 17th century, it began to be used metaphorically to describe someone who remains silent or refuses to cooperate, like a stone wall that impedes progress.
Later, the term gained a specific political connotation. The most notable instance is the Stonewall riots, a series of spontaneous demonstrations by the LGBTQ+ community in response to a police raid at the Stonewall Inn in New York City in 1969.