Definition of "ride roughshod over" [ride roughshod over]

• To treat roughly or without care, respect, moderation, or control; to act in a bullying manner toward; to damage. (verb)

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• "Page 20 to cleanse themselves of William Simmons and Ross Barnett and the Citizens Council, they could have pretty quickly, and they let that element ride roughshod over the rest of them for a period of five or six years or maybe longer."