What does the word OBSTACLE mean? - The English Definition with Mr Duncan

Today we will look at a word that expresses the action or event

where one thing is preventing another thing from occurring.

It is a commonly used word that shows how something is being hindered or held up.

Today we will look at the word ‘obstacle’.

Derived from the Latin words for ‘stand against’, the word ‘obstacle’ is a noun

that names something that is preventing or blocking the way through.

A thing that is in the way is an obstacle.

It is preventing the passage of something.

The item used for blocking the way through a normally passable route, such as a road

or path is an obstacle.

It is blocking the way through. It is causing a hold up.

The thing in question is an obstacle.

A difficulty that must be overcome or something that is preventing a plan from going ahead

can be described as an obstacle.

A complex situation might contain many obstacles along the way,

which must be overcome.

An unforeseen obstacle might be waiting ahead to trip you up.

You might stumble over an obstacle, or run into one.

This can be both literal and figurative.

As a test of endurance and strength, a set of obstacles might be placed in front of someone.

This is normally done so as to test an individual’s ability;

be it their mental dexterity, or their physical prowess.

This is normally described as a puzzle,

when testing the mind and an obstacle course, when testing body strength.

A personal setback or a problem is an obstacle.

A physical item that is preventing a clear way through is an obstacle.

It is something that might permanently stop what is happening,

or it might be a temporary problem,

which over time can be overcome.

Many obstacles are small and generally cause only slight inconvenience,

whilst others might be life-changing obstacles

that require a drastic change of plan.

An obstacle can be described as a blockage, a hurdle, a stumbling block, an impediment,

a snag, a catch, a complication, a hindrance, a barrier.

It is in the way.

It is stopping you from moving forward.

It is a hurdle that must be overcome.

It is a hold up that must be endured.

An obstacle is something that is blocking your way.

I will not get in your way any longer;

I will move aside and let you carry on with your day.

This is Mr Duncan in the birthplace of English saying,

thanks for watching see you again soon and of course…

ta ta for now.