Stymying: meaning, definitions and examples

Etymology

• The word 'stymie' originated in the late 19th century from a golf term, meaning to obstruct the ball's path.
• It was adapted in the early 20th century to mean 'to hinder' in general contexts, expanding beyond its golf roots.
• The term reflects the action of blocking or preventing movement, similar to how an obstacle affects a player on the green.

Pop Culture

• In various films, characters often face stymying situations that create suspense and challenge their ingenuity.
• The narrative arc of many stories hinges on the protagonist being stymied before ultimately overcoming the obstacles.
• Stymying is sometimes featured in board games and video games, where players encounter challenges that impede their progress.

Psychology

• Experiencing a stymying situation can lead to frustration, which might affect decision-making and emotional well-being.
• Coping strategies are essential when individuals face stymying challenges to maintain resilience and motivation.
• Psychologists have identified that overcoming stymying hurdles can enhance problem-solving skills and adaptability.

Literature

• Authors often employ stymying conflicts to develop characters, forcing them to evolve through adversity.
• Stymying elements in plots can create tension and drive narrative momentum, keeping readers engaged.
• The use of stymying situations is prevalent in classic literature, showcasing characters who struggle against external obstacles.

Science

• In biology, stymying can refer to environmental factors that hinder growth or development of organisms.
• Stymying effects in ecosystems can disrupt food chains, impacting biodiversity and species survival.
• Technological advancements sometimes aim to minimize stymying effects in environmental science for better conservation strategies.

With rank #43,317, 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.

• ...
• 43314 peculated
• 43315 fattiest
• 43316 amercing
• 43317 stymying
• 43318 broadsiding
• 43319 choppily
• 43320 floppier
• ...