Skip to definition.
Get the FREE one-click dictionary software for Windows.
NEW iPhone Audio English dictionary


Noun: railroad  'reyl`rowd
Usage: N. Amer (=railway)
  1. Line that is the commercial organization responsible for operating a system of transportation for trains that pull passengers or freight
    - railway [Brit, Cdn], railroad line [N. Amer], railway line [Brit, Cdn], railway system [Brit, Cdn]
     
  2. A line of track providing a runway for wheels
    - railroad track [N. Amer], railway [Brit, Cdn], railway track [Brit, Cdn]
Verb: railroad  'reyl`rowd
  1. Compel by coercion, threats, or crude means
    "They railroaded him to make dinner for everyone"
    - dragoon, sandbag
     
  2. [N. Amer] Supply with railway lines
    "railroad the West"
     
  3. [N. Amer] Transport by railway
     
  4. Force a measure (law, agreement, etc) through quickly, without time for consultation
    "The bill was railroaded through the state legislature due to the influence of some very wealthy sponsors"

Derived forms: railroads, railroading, railroaded

See also: railroading [N. Amer]

Type of: coerce, force, furnish, hale [archaic], line, pressure, provide, render, send, ship, squeeze, supply, track, transport

Part of: line, rail line, railroad line [N. Amer], railway line [Brit, Cdn]

Encyclopedia: Railroad Railroad, PA Railroad, Pennsylvania