Definitions

jam up

[jam-uhp] / ˈdʒæmˌʌp /

VERB

prohibit

Synonyms

STRONGEST

ban block constrain enjoin forbid freeze halt hinder impede inhibit outlaw preclude prevent proscribe restrain restrict rule out

STRONG

cool cork debar disallow forfend hamper interdict kill nix obstruct spike stymie taboo veto

WEAK

bottle up box in bring to screeching halt gridlock hang up hold up keep lid on lock up pass on put a lock on put a stopper in put chill on put down put half nelson on shut out throw cold water on tie up zing

Antonyms

STRONGEST

advance aid allow approve assist continue facilitate forward free help include let go permit push release support

STRONG

encourage promote

WEAK

favor

VERB

repress

Synonyms

STRONGEST

crush inhibit muffle quash quell restrain squelch stifle subdue subjugate suppress

STRONG

bottle chasten check collect compose control cool cork curb hinder kill lock master overcome overpower rein shush silence smother swallow

WEAK

black out gridlock hold back keep in keep in check keep under wraps quelch simmer down throw cold water on tie up

Antonyms

STRONGEST

aid allow assist encourage free help let go liberate release start

STRONG

disperse permit scatter surrender yield

NOUN

hindrance

Synonyms

STRONGEST

barrier deterrent drawback handicap hitch impediment interference interruption obstacle snag stumbling block

STRONG

albatross baggage bar catch check clog crimp drag encumbrance glitch gridlock hang-up impedance intervention joker limitation lock millstone restraint restriction stoppage trammel

WEAK

Catch-22 ball and chain cumbrance excess baggage foot dragging jam-up monkey wrench

Antonyms

STRONGEST

advantage aid assistance benefit opening

STRONG

freedom liberation release

WEAK

advance encouragement expedition promotion push

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

That lack of juice could jam up the market this year, warns Jordi Visser, head of AI Macro Nexus Research for 22V Research in his latest commentary this weekend.

From Barron's • Jan. 12, 2026

The notices are often needlessly long and filled with legal jargon — forcing many confused taxpayers to call the agency and jam up the phone lines.

From Seattle Times • Jan. 23, 2024

Pricey air transport is an option for some shippers, but airport cargo facilities jam up when demand spikes.

From Reuters • May 10, 2022

“Because we don’t know when it’s going to jam up and how long the jam will last or how big it will be.”

From New York Times • Feb. 1, 2019

"Well, it'll stand, if it only keeps jam up agin de wall!" said Mose.

From Uncle Tom's Cabin by Stowe, Harriet Beecher

jam up

Example Sentences

Related Words