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View synonyms for obstacle

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
“Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged” 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012


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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
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Word History and Origins

Origin of obstacle1

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

The primary obstacle that families are facing is getting a steady internet connection and enough screens for everyone to use.

While not impossible to overcome, those odds are actually more daunting than any of the obstacles last season’s team conquered along its path to the championship.

If any political or business leader has any plans to recover, this is going to be an obstacle.

My optimism includes believing Americans will overcome every obstacle the Republicans are putting in our way to keep us from voting.

That continues to be the biggest sign of Quibi’s failing and the biggest obstacle to officially labeling it a failure.

From Digiday

Each one seems a mile high, and the entire flight an insurmountable obstacle.

And though Republicans are racking up minority leaders at the national level, it continues to face a fundamental obstacle.

In fact, she says the sexism she faced was far more of an obstacle than her autism in the workplace.

If there is no obstacle, they would enjoy the ease that is shown to everyone else.

“After you imagine the obstacle, you can figure out what you can do to overcome it and make a plan,” explains Oettingen.

There was only one obstacle to his walking quietly and comfortably away, which was that the door was locked and the key gone.

This great obstacle being removed, he wisely determined to make the most of his good fortune.

Hitherto we have been hampered at every turn by the supposed obstacle of immutable economic laws.

To endeavor to cut through such an obstacle would undoubtedly have brought about a disaster.

Every possible obstacle was therefore thrown in his way by those who, from motives of jealousy, wished to get rid of him.

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