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Dictionary

Words, grammatical forms and meanings linked to the ontology.

gapers' block en · NOUN

Meanings

  1. (Canada, US, idiomatic) A traffic jam resulting from motorists slowing to look at a motor vehicle collision or other roadside distraction.
    • In the pretty, tranquil valley, elk were feeding just off the highway, creating a gapers block. 2001, "Rocky Road Rocky Mountain National Park boasts as ear-popping drive full of peak experiences," Wichita Eagle (Kansas), 25 Mar., p. 1G
    • In the lingo of the traffic reporters, "gapers' block" is a tie-up caused by motorists slowing down to gape at an accident. 1967 March 10, “Above It All”, in Time:

Forms

SpellingFeaturesLabelsSource
gapers block alternative lexicographic
gapers' blocks Number=Plur lexicographic

Relateds

rubbernecking · train wreck

Synonyms

gawker blocker · gawkers' block

Translations (3)

sv tittkö (traffic jam resulting from motorists slowing to look at a motor vehicle collision or other roadside distraction) · nl kijkfile (traffic jam resulting from motorists slowing to look at a motor vehicle collision or other roadside distraction) · es efecto mirón (traffic jam resulting from motorists slowing to look at a motor vehicle collision or other roadside distraction)