Stymy: meaning, definitions and examples

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stymy

 

[ ˈstaɪmi ]

Verb / Noun
Context #1 | Verb

to hinder progress

To stymy means to prevent someone from achieving their goals or to obstruct progress. It typically refers to situations where progress is hindered by obstacles or interference.

Synonyms

hinder, impede, obstruct, thwart

Examples of usage

  • The new regulations will stymy small businesses.
  • His refusal to cooperate will stymy the investigation.
  • Bad weather can stymy rescue operations.
Context #2 | Noun

obstacle

A stymy is an obstruction or hindrance that prevents progress or success. It can refer to physical barriers or metaphorical challenges that affect performance.

Synonyms

barrier, impediment, obstacle, setback

Examples of usage

  • Lack of funding became a stymy for the project.
  • His fear of public speaking was a stymy for his career.
  • The heavy traffic was a major stymy on their journey.

Translations

Translations of the word "stymy" in other languages:

🇵🇹 obstruir

🇮🇳 रोकना

🇩🇪 behindern

🇮🇩 menghalangi

🇺🇦 перешкоджати

🇵🇱 przeszkadzać

🇯🇵 妨げる

🇫🇷 entraver

🇪🇸 obstruir

🇹🇷 engellemek

🇰🇷 방해하다

🇸🇦 يعيق

🇨🇿 překážet

🇸🇰 prekážať

🇨🇳 阻碍

🇸🇮 ovirati

🇮🇸 hindra

🇰🇿 кедергі жасау

🇬🇪 გამოწვევა

🇦🇿 mane olmaq

🇲🇽 obstruir

Etymology

The word 'stymy' originated in the early 20th century, deriving from the Scottish term 'stymy,' which meant 'to impede, to block.' The term has its roots in the game of golf, where 'stymie' referred to the situation in which one player obstructs another's putt. The word entered mainstream English by the 1920s, reflecting a broader sense of hindrance or obstruction in various contexts beyond golf. Over time, 'stymy' has been used in legal, business, and everyday situations to describe anything that stands in the way of achievement or progress, embodying the struggle against obstacles.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #43,585, this word is among the least frequently used in common English. Understanding it can be beneficial for comprehensive language mastery, but it's not essential for most learners.