View synonyms for

obstacle

[ ob-stuh-kuhl ]

Phonetic (Standard)IPA

noun

something that obstructs or hinders progress.
Antonyms:

obstacle

/ ˈɒ��ə��ə�� /

noun

a person or thing that opposes or hinders something
a fence or hedge used in showjumping

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Word History and Origins

Origin of obstacle¹

First recorded in 1300–50; Middle English, from Old French, from Latin �ǲ��峦�ܱ��ܳ�, equivalent to �ǲ��(��) “to face, block, hinder” ( ob- ob- + �� stand ) + -culum -cle ²

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Word History and Origins

Origin of obstacle¹

C14: via Old French from Latin �ǲ��峦�ܱ��ܳ�, from ob��, from ob- against + �� 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

Examples have not been reviewed.

Russia also sees the Ukrainian constitution as an "obstacle" to peace efforts.

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He added that EU citizens had faced "many obstacles" to moving to the UK since Brexit, including "very high thresholds" for skilled work visas.

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Paramount Global executives see the suit as an obstacle to getting approval of its merger agreement with David Ellison’s Skydance Media.

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In addition to the usual challenges that come with working on a TV show with the scale of “Andor,” the project has faced additional obstacles during the production of both of its seasons.

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That sudden drop can be deadly - especially if a driver swerves to avoid an obstacle.

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Related Words

obsolete obstacle course

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