/steem"roh'leuhr/ , n.
1. a heavy steam-powered vehicle having a roller for crushing, compacting, or leveling materials used for a road or the like.
2. (not in technical use) any similar vehicle with a roller.
3. an overpowering force, esp. one that crushes all opposition with ruthless disregard for individual rights.
v.t.
4. to crush or flatten with a steamroller.
5. to overcome with superior force: to steamroller the competition.
6. to bring about the adoption of by overwhelming pressure: to steamroller the resolution through.
v.i.
7. to proceed with implacable force.
adj.
8. suggestive of a steamroller; ruthlessly overpowering: steamroller tactics.
[ 1865-70; STEAM + ROLLER 1 ]