obstacle

noun ob·sta·cle \ˈäb-sti-kəl, -ˌsti-\

: something that makes it difficult to do something

: an object that you have to go around or over : something that blocks your path

Full Definition of OBSTACLE

: something that impedes progress or achievement

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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

Rhymes with OBSTACLE

bicycle, dill pickle, icicle, Popsicle, tricycle

OBSTACLE Defined for Kids

obstacle

noun ob·sta·cle \ˈäb-stə-kəl\

Definition of OBSTACLE for Kids

: something that stands in the way or opposes : hindrance

Learn More About OBSTACLE

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for "obstacle"

Spanish Central: Spanish translation of "obstacle"

Nglish: Translation of "obstacle" for Spanish speakers

Britannica English: Translation of "obstacle" for Arabic speakers

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