Obstacles

Part of speech: noun

Definitions

1. Hurdles or impediments that obstruct movement or progress in various contexts
2. Challenges or barriers that interfere with the achievement of objectives or desires
3. Physical or metaphorical barriers that must be overcome to move forward ; factors that complicate reaching desired outcomes

Etymology: "Obstacles" is simply the plural of "obstacle," so its history is that of the singular noun. The root is the Latin verb "obstare," meaning to stand in the way of, formed from "ob-" (against, in the way) and "stare" (to stand). A "obstāculum" was therefore literally something standing in the path, a hindrance you bump into. The word passed into Old French as "obstacle" and then into Middle English in the same form. Its core image has barely changed in the centuries since: something physically planted across a route. The metaphorical sense, a difficulty blocking progress toward a goal, grew out of that physical picture, so the abstract meaning of "obstacles" still depends on the idea of a body blocking a road.

Synonyms: barriers, hindrances, impediments, blocks, challenges

Antonyms: aids, facilitators, enablers, assistants, supports