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
But would even the biggest box-office bump justify such roughshod mistreatment of primary material? Justin Chang, New Yorker, 14 Jan. 2026 On the second floor, there are still some rustic '70s-style futon mattresses built into roughshod beds. Chloe Schama, Vogue, 21 Oct. 2025
Adverb
The goal, Hall’s second of the series, came with less than five minutes left in a wild and physical frame in which Senators defenseman Tyler Kleven knocked out Carolina defenseman Alexander Nikishin with a crushing hit and Ottawa forward Ridly Greig tried to run roughshod on the Canes. Julian McKenzie, New York Times, 26 Apr. 2026 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 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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Roughshod.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/roughshod. Accessed 2 May. 2026.

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

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