Lexic.us

Definition of Obstacle

1. Noun. Something immaterial that stands in the way and must be circumvented or surmounted. "The filibuster was a major obstruction to the success of their plan"

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

Definition of Obstacle

1. n. That which stands in the way, or opposes; anything that hinders progress; a hindrance; an obstruction, physical or moral.

Definition of Obstacle

1. Noun. Something that impedes, stands in the way of, or holds up progress ¹

¹ Source: wiktionary.com

Definition of Obstacle

1. something that obstructs [n -S]

Medical Definition of Obstacle

1. That which stands in the way, or opposes; anything that hinders progress; a hindrance; an obstruction, physical or moral. "If all obstacles were cut away. And that my path were even to the crown." (Shak) Synonym: Impediment, obstuction, hindrance, difficulty. See Impediment, and Obstruction. Origin: F, fr. L. Obstaculum, fr. Obstare to withstand, oppose; ob (see Ob-) + stare to stand. See Stand. And cf. Oust. Source: Websters Dictionary (01 Mar 1998)

Lexicographical Neighbors of Obstacle

obsolescences obsolescent obsolescently obsolesces obsolescing obsolete obsoleted obsoletely obsoleteness obsoletenesses

obsoletes obsoleting obsoletion obsoletism obsoletisms obstacle (current term) obstacle-ridden obstacle race obstacle sense obstacles

obstancies obstancy obstetr. obstetric obstetric conjugate obstetric conjugate diameter obstetric conjugate of pelvic outlet obstetric position obstetric surgical procedures obstetric ultrasound

Literary usage of Obstacle

Below you will find example usage of this term as found in modern and/or classical literature:

1. Science by American Association for the Advancement of Science (1896)
"A second obstacle has been the lack of agreement among educators and men of science ... The most serious obstacle in the way of science in college entrance ..."

2. The Catholic Encyclopedia: An International Work of Reference on the by Charles George Herbermann (1913)
"The "reviviscence" of the effects of sacraments received validly but with an obstacle to grace at the time of their reception, is urged as a strong argument ..."

3. Readers' Guide to Periodical Literature by H.W. Wilson Company (1917)
"Woman's HC 44:37 N 47 Bradley, Barclay White, 1877- Baccalaureate degree as an obstacle to educational progress. Nat Educ Assn 1916:321- 4; Same. ..."

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