Styming

Part of speech: verb

Definitions

1. Creating an obstacle that blocks progress or prevents advancement ; confusing or perplexing someone to the point of being unable to proceed ; hindering or obstructing a process or effort in any context
2. Causing difficulty by presenting an obstruction that stops movement forward ; generating puzzlement or frustration that halts decision-making ; impeding or frustrating an action, plan, or attempt to succeed
3. Acting to impede by placing a barrier in the way of progress ; producing confusion that leaves someone stuck or unsure how to continue ; obstructing or thwarting the completion of an objective or task

Etymology: "Styming" is the present participle of "stymie," which means to block someone's path or progress. The verb grew out of a golf term for a situation where one player's ball lay between another ball and the hole, obstructing the shot. Golfers still describe that obstruction with the noun, and the verb carried the sense of blocking outward. Its origin is uncertain. Dictionaries have proposed a link to a Scots word for dim or poor sight, which would suit the idea of being unable to see the way ahead, but no firm evidence connects the two. The safest account is that the golfing use is where the verb is first well attested, and its ultimate source remains unknown.

Synonyms: blocking, hindering, obstructing, impeding, thwarting

Antonyms: helping, assisting, aiding, facilitating, encouraging