Webster's English Dictionary

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obstacle

ob.sta.cle \'a:b-sti-k*l, -.stik-*l\ n [ME, fr. MF, fr. L obstaculum, fr. 
   obstare to stand in the way, fr.] often attrib  ob- in the way + stare to 
   stand - more at OB-, STAND : something that stands in the way or opposes : 
   OBSTRUCTION