stymie

Sometimes sty·my

[stahy-mee]

verb (used with object)

stymied, stymieing 

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

The legislation comes in response to what proponents have described as efforts by the sheriff’s departments in L.A. and other counties to stymie access to sensitive records.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

The court used its newly fashioned "major questions doctrine" to stymie Biden's efforts at student loan forgiveness and environmental regulations, holding that Congress did not give him explicit authorisation to do so.

Read more on BBC

Gray cooperated with Nixon to stymie the FBI’s investigation of the 1972 Watergate break-in and the ensuing cover-up.

Read more on Salon

The bill circumvents a decade of legal challenges by environmental groups seeking to stymie drilling in the county that produces about three-fourths of the state’s crude oil.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

After being stymied by the Chargers defense throughout the first half, the Broncos broke through with Sutton’s touchdown and would go on to tip the scales with 17 unanswered points.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Related Words

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