obstacle

[ ob-stuh-kuhl ]

noun

1. something that obstructs or hinders progress.

   Antonyms: help

obstacle

/ ˈɒbstəkəl /

noun

1. a person or thing that opposes or hinders something
2. a fence or hedge used in showjumping

Word History and Origins

Origin of obstacle¹

First recorded in 1300–50; Middle English, from Old French, from Latin obstāculum, equivalent to obstā(re) “to face, block, hinder” ( ob- ob- + stāre stand ) + -culum -cle ²

Word History and Origins

Origin of obstacle¹

C14: via Old French from Latin obstāculum, from obstāre, from ob- against + stāre to stand

Synonym Study

Obstacle, obstruction, hindrance, impediment refer to something that interferes with or prevents action or progress. An obstacle is something, material or nonmaterial, that stands in the way of literal or figurative progress: Lack of imagination is an obstacle to one's advancement. An obstruction is something that more or less completely blocks a passage: A blood clot is an obstruction to the circulation. A hindrance keeps back by interfering and delaying: Interruptions are a hindrance to one's work. An impediment interferes with proper functioning: an impediment in one's speech.

Example Sentences

That has been an obstacle for some of the plaintiffs in the copyright cases.

From Los Angeles Times

The biggest obstacle to peace is that the UAE supports one side with weapons and cash while Egypt and Saudi Arabia back the other.

From BBC

But his decision to take the path of least resistance to Trumpism over the past four years suggests that he will not pose an obstacle to it in the four years ahead.

From Slate

Collectively, the Latino shift towards Trump, his hold on white working-class voters and his increased support among non-college educated voters in general created an insurmountable obstacle for the Harris campaign.

From BBC

That these electors would lack legal standing — Gov. Josh Shapiro, a Democrat, is the only person who can legally certify the commonwealth's electors — may not be an obstacle in an increasingly politicized judiciary.

From Salon

Related Words

• barrier
• difficulty
• disincentive
• hardship
• hindrance
• hitch
• hurdle
• impediment
• interference
• obstruction
• restriction
• snag
• stumbling block