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

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Rhymes with OBSTACLE

bicycle, dill pickle, icicle, Popsicle, tricycle