stymie

[ stahy-mee ]

verb (used with object)

, sty·mied, sty·mie·ing.

1. to hinder, block, or thwart.

   Synonyms: confound, stump, frustrate, perplex

noun

1. a situation or problem presenting such difficulties as to discourage or defeat any attempt to deal with or resolve it.
2. Golf. (on a putting green) an instance of a ball's lying on a direct line between the cup and the ball of an opponent about to putt.

stymie

/ ˈstaɪmɪ /

verb

1. to hinder or thwart
2. golf to impede with a stymie

noun

1. golf (formerly) a situation on the green in which an opponent's ball is blocking the line between the hole and the ball about to be played: an obstructing ball may now be lifted and replaced by a marker
2. a situation of obstruction

Word History and Origins

Origin of stymie¹

First recorded in 1855–60; origin uncertain

Word History and Origins

Origin of stymie¹

C19: of uncertain origin

Example Sentences

Conflation of the words “intervention” and “invasion” needlessly stymie debate.

From The Daily Beast

Both America's and Iran's regional clients are now openly attempting to stymie the process of rapprochement.

From The Daily Beast

From 2009 through 2012, Capitol Hill Republicans were highly imaginative in their efforts to stymie President Obama.

From The Daily Beast

Corporations figure out our ‘bliss spots,’ manipulate the USDA, and stymie anyone who opposes them.

From The Daily Beast

And as many of the wealthy women are well known, their public persona can stymie the process.

From The Daily Beast

Well, the first thing to be done is to get rid of Loudon's stymie with the authorities.

From Project Gutenberg

He wished frantically that he could have figured out a way to stymie the chase, but starships were not built to be sabotaged.

From Project Gutenberg

He may dodge a stymie or circumvent an inconvenient piece of the green over which, without the cut, the ball would have to travel.

From Project Gutenberg

The common method of playing a stymie is by pitching your ball over that of your opponent, but this is not always possible.

From Project Gutenberg

The object is to knock the stymie right away over the hole, and to follow through with your own and drop in.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• choke off
• crimp
• foil
• impede
• obstruct
• stall
• stonewall
• thwart