OBSTACLE

Pronunciation (US): (GB):

I. (noun)

Sense 1

Meaning:

An obstruction that stands in the way (and must be removed or surmounted or circumvented)

Classified under:

Nouns denoting man-made objects

Hypernyms ("obstacle" is a kind of...):

impediment; impedimenta; obstructer; obstruction; obstructor (any structure that makes progress difficult)

Hyponyms (each of the following is a kind of "obstacle"):

hazard (an obstacle on a golf course)

stumbling block (any obstacle or impediment)

water jump (a pool or stream in a steeplechase or similar contest)

Sense 2

Meaning:

Something immaterial that stands in the way and must be circumvented or surmounted

Example:

the filibuster was a major obstruction to the success of their plan

Synonyms:

obstacle; obstruction

Classified under:

Nouns denoting cognitive processes and contents

Hypernyms ("obstacle" is a kind of...):

balk; baulk; check; deterrent; handicap; hinderance; hindrance; impediment (something immaterial that interferes with or delays action or progress)

Hyponyms (each of the following is a kind of "obstacle"):

barrier; roadblock (any condition that makes it difficult to make progress or to achieve an objective)

hang-up; hitch; rub; snag (an unforeseen obstacle)

hurdle (an obstacle that you are expected to overcome)

stymie; stymy (a thwarting and distressing situation)

Credits

Context examples:

The NCPB is intended to confront obstacles and address issues that arise in the prevention, control, diagnosis, and treatment of cancer.

(National Cancer Policy Board, NCI Thesaurus)

One should always try to have the fewest obstacles possible between the mobile and the base station close by.

(Health threats caused by mobile phone radiation, EUROPARL TV)

“This is due to the fact that there are tremendous obstacles: identifying suitable catalysts and reactions and, above all, delivering the catalysts directly into the target cells, and not others.”

(Scientists successfully deliver “Trojan horse” catalysts into cancerous tumour cells to destroy them from within, Universities of Granada)

He seemed to have been prepared for every obstacle which might be placed by accident in the way of his intentions being carried out.

(Dracula, by Bram Stoker)

There was but one obstacle, in short, to be mentioned; but till that one was removed, it must be impossible for them to sanction the engagement.

(Northanger Abbey, by Jane Austen)

In a new study, scientists state that any potential landing mission may have to navigate hazardous obstacles known as 'penitentes' before touching down on Europa's surface.

(Icy Warning for Space Missions to Jupiter's Moon, The Titi Tudorancea Bulletin)

Studies of ancient DNA from tropical birds have faced two formidable obstacles.

(Extinct Caribbean bird yields DNA after 2,500 years in watery grave, National Science Foundation)

Sixteen miles—nay, eighteen—it must be full eighteen to Manchester-street—was a serious obstacle.

(Emma, by Jane Austen)

"And what," said Mrs. Dashwood, "is my dear prudent Elinor going to suggest? What formidable obstacle is she now to bring forward? Do let me hear a word about the expense of it."

(Sense and Sensibility, by Jane Austen)

I, who have so disinterested an affection for you, may increase your miseries tenfold by being an obstacle to your wishes.