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Steamroller - Meaning, Definition & English Examples

A steamroller is a heavy vehicle with a large roller used to flatten surfaces like roads during construction. It can also mean to overpower or crush something forcefully, like an idea or opposition.

steamroller

/ˈstimˌroʊlər/ /ˈstiːmˌrəʊlə/

Definition:

A heavy vehicle used to flatten surfaces, or to dominate or overwhelm forcefully.

Synonyms:

bulldozer, crusher, dominator, overpowering force

Part of Speech:

noun, verb

Antonyms:

underdog, lightweight

Common Collocations:

steamroller operator, steamroller flattening, steamroller tactics, political steamroller

Derivatives:

steamrolling, steamrollered

Usage Tips:

Use "steamroller" as a noun for the machine or metaphorically for overwhelming force; as a verb, it means to crush or dominate something.

Common Phrases:

steamroller approach, like a steamroller, political steamroller

Etymology:

Derived from "steam" (power source) + "roller" (flattening device), first used in the 19th century for road construction machines.

Examples:

  • 1. The workers used a steamroller to pave the new road smoothly.
  • 2. Her aggressive negotiation style was like a steamroller—no one could oppose her.
  • 3. The team steamrollered their opponents in the championship game with ease.
  • 4. He felt like a steamroller had crushed his dreams after the rejection letter arrived.

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