| obstacle | That which stands in the way, or opposes; anything that hinders progress; a hindrance; an obstruction, physical or moral. "If all obstacles were cut away. And that my path were even to the crown." (Shak) Synonym: Impediment, obstuction, hindrance, difficulty. See Impediment, and Obstruction. Origin: F, fr. L. Obstaculum, fr. Obstare to withstand, oppose; ob (see Ob-) + stare to stand. See Stand. And cf. Oust. Source: Websters Dictionary (01 Mar 1998) |
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| obstacle sense | The ability, often found in the blind, to avoid objects without visual warning. (05 Mar 2000) |