obstacle
[ ob-stuh-kuhl ]
/ ˈɒb stə kəl /
noun
something that obstructs or hinders progress.
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Origin of obstacle
synonym study for obstacle
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.
Words nearby obstacle
obsolesc., obsolesce, obsolescence, obsolescent, obsolete, obstacle, obstacle course, obstacle race, obstet., obstetric, obstetrical binder
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2020
Example sentences from the Web for obstacle
British Dictionary definitions for obstacle
obstacle
/ (ˈɒbstəkəl) /
noun
a person or thing that opposes or hinders something
British a fence or hedge used in showjumping
Word Origin for obstacle
C14: via Old French from Latin obstāculum, from obstāre, from ob- against + stāre to stand
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
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