obstacle
Americannoun
noun
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a person or thing that opposes or hinders something
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a fence or hedge used in showjumping
Synonym Usage
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.
Etymology
Origin of obstacle
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
Explanation
When the road is blocked ahead of you, that blockage is an obstacle that keeps you from getting where you want to go. The Latin word that is the source of the word obstacle combines parts that mean "to stand in the way of," so an obstacle is something that stands against what you want to do. In a dramatic piece, the obstacle is the person or thing that keeps a character from achieving his or her goal. This creates the conflict in a play: since conflict is what drama is all about, the obstacle is the source of all drama.
Vocabulary lists containing obstacle
Michelle Obama's final address as First Lady (2017)
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Code Talker
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"Earth and Space"
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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.
The proposed solution: Obstacle course racing in place of equestrian, which the sport is testing out.
From Seattle Times • Oct. 4, 2022
Obstacle avoidance is also less effective compared to more expensive competitors deploying AI-powered avoidance tech.
From The Verge • May 12, 2022
Obstacle races include tasks like climbing ropes, swinging from rings and monkey bars, clambering over earthen mounds and carrying heavy sacks.
From New York Times • May 2, 2022
As an example, he points to Ryan Holiday's book The Obstacle is the Way: The Timeless Art of Turning Trials into Triumph, which largely draws its inspiration from the ancient Greek philosophy of stoicism.
From BBC • Aug. 8, 2021
“Simply perfect for Obstacle Golf,” she answered rapturously.
From "Brave New World" by Aldous Huxley
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
