Word of the Day: Obstacle

obstacle

_{ob-sta-cle /} ŏb-stə-kəl

Noun

1. something that stands in the way or prevents or hinders progress

The greater the obstacle, the more glory in overcoming it.

Molière, 1622 – 1673

Etymology

An Old French noun from the Latin noun obstaculum (obstacle) derived from the verb sto, stare, steti, status (stand) and the prefix ob– (against).

Thank you to Allen Ward for providing this etymology.