- an obstruction that stands in the way (and must be removed or surmounted or circumvented)

- something immaterial that stands in the way and must be circumvented or surmounted
"lack of immagination is an obstacle to one''s advancement"
"the poverty of a district is an obstacle to good education"
"the filibuster was a major obstruction to the s

1. 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.

Syn. -- Impediment; obstuction; hindrance; difficulty. See Impediment, and Obstruction.