obstacle
noun
[ ˈɒbstək(ə)l ]
• a thing that blocks one's way or prevents or hinders progress.
• "the major obstacle to achieving that goal is money"
Similar:
barrier,
hurdle,
stumbling block,
bar,
block,
impediment,
hindrance,
snag,
catch,
drawback,
hitch,
handicap,
deterrent,
complication,
difficulty,
problem,
disadvantage,
balk,
curb,
check,
stop,
interference,
obstruction,
barricade,
blockade,
fly in the ointment,
hiccup,
facer,
spanner in the works,
monkey wrench in the works,
cumber,
trammel,
Origin:
Middle English: via Old French from Latin obstaculum, from obstare ‘impede’, from ob- ‘against’ + stare ‘stand’.
