obstacle

ob·sta·cle

noun \ˈäb-sti-kəl, -ˌsti-\

Definition of OBSTACLE

: something that impedes progress or achievement

Examples of OBSTACLE

1. He overcame the obstacles of poverty and neglect.
2. They must overcome a number of obstacles before the restaurant can be opened.
3. Lack of experience is a major obstacle for her opponent.
4. She swerved to avoid an obstacle in the road.

Origin of OBSTACLE

Middle English, from Anglo-French, from Latin obstaculum, from obstare to stand in front of, from ob- in the way + stare to stand — more at ob-, stand

First Known Use: 14th century

Related to OBSTACLE

Synonyms

balk, bar, block, chain, clog, cramp, crimp, deterrent, drag, embarrassment, fetter, handicap, hindrance, holdback, hurdle, impediment, inhibition, interference, let, manacle, encumbrance, obstruction, shackles, stop, stumbling block, trammel

Related Words

catch, hitch, rub, snag; barrier, blockade, blockage, brick wall, stone wall; arrest, bit, brake, check, constraint, curb, hobble, rein, restraint; embargo, stoppage; delay, holdup, stall; burden, cumber, load; danger, hazard, peril, reef; adversity, difficulty, disadvantage, drawback, hardship

Near Antonyms

catalyst, goad, impetus, incentive, spur, stimulant, stimulus; advantage, break, edge; aid, assistance, benefit, boost, handmaiden (also handmaid), help

Rhymes with OBSTACLE

bicycle, dill pickle, icicle, Popsicle, tricycle