Stymie - Meaning, Definition & English Examples
Stymie means to hinder, block, or prevent progress. It is often used when someone or something creates an obstacle that makes it difficult to achieve a goal. Example: The bad weather stymied our plans.
Definition:
To hinder, block, or thwart someone's efforts or progress.
Synonyms:
obstruct, impede, hinder, thwart, hamper
Part of Speech:
verb, noun
Antonyms:
assist, facilitate
Common Collocations:
stymie progress, stymie efforts, stymie development
Derivatives:
stymied, stymieing
Usage Tips:
Use "stymie" to describe situations where progress is blocked or frustrated by obstacles.
Common Phrases:
stymied by bureaucracy, stymie the opposition, a stymie in negotiations
Etymology:
Originated in 19th-century golf; later generalized to mean obstruction or hindrance.
Examples:
- 1. The new regulations could stymie small businesses' growth.
- 2. Her lack of experience might stymie her chances of promotion.
- 3. The team was stymied by unexpected technical difficulties.
- 4. Bad weather often stymies outdoor event planning.