stymie
Intermediate (B1)
IPA: /ˈstaɪmi/
KK: /ˈstaɪmi/
noun
Definition
A barrier or hindrance that prevents progress or achievement.
Example
The heavy rain was a stymie to our plans for a picnic.
Conversation
I hit a real stymie with this project I'm working on.
Oh no! What happened?
I can't seem to find the right resources, and it's really slowing me down.
That sounds frustrating. Maybe we can brainstorm some ideas together?
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
barrier
hindrance
impediment
Antonyms
aid
assistance
facilitation
transitive verb
Definition
To prevent someone from doing something or to stop progress.
Example
The unexpected rainstorm stymied our plans for a picnic.
Tense Forms
Past: stymied
Past Participle: stymied
Conversation
I was working on that math problem, but it really started to stymie me.
I know what you mean; some of those questions can be tricky.
Yeah, I thought I understood the concept, but it just kept throwing me off.
Root Explanation
Stymie originates from a Scottish term 'stymie', which refers to a situation in golf where a player's ball is obstructed by another ball. The word captures the essence of being blocked or hindered in progress. It reflects the idea of being prevented from achieving a goal due to an obstacle.
Memory Tip
Imagine a golfer whose ball is 'blocked' by another ball — that's what stymie means, to be hindered or obstructed in your progress.
Visually Confused Words
No commonly confused words.