roughshod

1 of 2

adjective

rough·​shod ˈrəf-ˌshäd How to pronounce roughshod (audio)
Synonyms of roughshodnext
1
: shod with calked shoes
2
: marked by tyrannical force
roughshod rule

roughshod

2 of 2

adverb

: in a roughly forceful manner
rode roughshod over the opposition

Examples of roughshod in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Adjective
Its roughshod charm is infectious. — Tim Grierson, Vulture, 16 Aug. 2025 On the second floor, there are still some rustic '70s-style futon mattresses built into roughshod beds. — Chloe Schama, Vogue, 21 Oct. 2025
Adverb
Above all else, the Big East cleared space for college basketball in a world increasingly run roughshod by the pigskin. — Dana O’Neil, CNN Money, 21 Apr. 2026 Supporters of Palestine Action and civil liberties groups said the arrests for peaceful protest ride roughshod over free speech and the right to protest. — ABC News, 15 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for roughshod

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

circa 1688, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Adverb

1778, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of roughshod was circa 1688

Phrases Containing roughshod

Rhymes for roughshod

See All Rhymes for roughshod

Browse Nearby Words

roughseed bulrush
roughshod
roughsome
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Cite this Entry

“Roughshod.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/roughshod. Accessed 10 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

roughshod

adverb
rough·​shod
ˈrəf-ˈshäd
: with no consideration for the wishes or feelings of others
—usually used in the phrase ride roughshod over or run roughshod over

More from Merriam-Webster on roughshod

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for roughshod

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