obstacle

UK: /ˈɒbstək^əl/ US: /ˈɑbstəkəl/ ,(ob′stə kəl)

WordReference Random House Learner's Dictionary of American English © 2025

ob•sta•cle /ˈɑbstəkəl/   n. [countable]

1. something that prevents or slows progress;
   an obstruction;
   hindrance.

See -stan-.

WordReference Random House Unabridged Dictionary of American English © 2025

ob•sta•cle  (ob′stə kəl), n. 

1. something that obstructs or hinders progress.

• Latin obstāculum, equivalent. to obstā(re) to face, block, hinder (ob- ob- + stāre to stand) + -culum -cle²
• Old French
• Middle English 1300–50

Synonyms

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.

Antonyms

help.

Collins Concise English Dictionary © HarperCollins Publishers::

obstacle / ˈɒbstək^əl/ noun

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

Etymology: 14th Century: via Old French from Latin obstāculum, from obstāre, from ob- against + stāre to stand