See Also: obstacle(medicine)
obstacle(1)(dictionary)
obstacle(2)(dictionary)
obstacle course(dictionary)
obstacle(dictionary)
obstacle sense(medicine)
obstacle race(dictionary)
Obstacle - Equestrian Sports(gambling)

obstacle(1) (iou)



obstacle noun & adjective. ME.
[Old & mod. French from Latin obstaculum, from obstare stand in the way, from ob- OB- + stare stand.]
A. noun.
1. A thing that stands in the way and obstructs progress; a hindrance, an obstruction. ME.
M. Girouard Drunkenness was as much of an obstacle to enlightenment as lack of education. Independent Her racial background need pose no obstacle to advancement.
2. Opposition, objection: only in make obstacle, offer opposition. LME-M17.
Comb.: obstacle course an area (used for military training etc.) containing an assortment of obstacles to be negotiated; obstacle-race: in which the competitors have to negotiate a series of obstructions.
B. adjective. Obstinate, stubborn. M-L16.
Shakespeare 1 Henry VI Fie, Joan, that thou wilt be so obstacle!
obstacular adjective of the nature of an obstacle; presenting many or a series of obstacles: M20.