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obstacle

ob·sta·cle [ óbstək'l ] (plural ob·sta·cles)


noun 
Definition:
 
1. hindrance: somebody or something that hinders or prevents progress

2. something in way: something that blocks or impedes a road, passage, or somebody's way

3. hurdle: a fence or hedge set up for horses to jump over in show jumping

[14th century. Via Old French< Latin obstaculum< obstare "stand in the way" < stare "to stand"]
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