VocabDictionary

stymie

/หˆstaษช.mi/advanced Level

English Meaning & Definitions

1.verb

To prevent or hinder the progress of; to thwart or stump.

Example Sentences:
  • โ€œThe sudden budget cuts stymied the research team's efforts to complete the project.โ€
  • โ€œPoor weather conditions stymied the search and rescue operation.โ€
2.noun

A situation or problem that presents an obstacle or difficulty.

Example Sentences:
  • โ€œThe legal team found themselves in a stymie when the key witness refused to testify.โ€
  • โ€œHis lack of experience proved to be a major stymie in his career advancement.โ€
Share & Learn With Friends

Share โ€œstymieโ€ with study groups, classmates, or on your social channels.

English Synonyms & Near Equivalents

English Antonyms & Opposites

Comprehensive Thesaurus Breakdown

Compare formal, informal, literary synonyms and register nuances for โ€œstymieโ€.

Thesaurus Entry
Cultural Origin & Etymology

Originating in the mid-19th century, the term comes from golf. In early 20th-century golf rules, a 'stymie' occurred when an opponent's ball lay on the putting green directly in the line of a player's putt, obstructing the path to the hole. By extension, it entered general usage to describe any situation that presents an obstacle or prevents progress.

Memory Aid & Mnemonic

Think of 'tie me'โ€”if someone ties your hands, they stymie your ability to work.

Frequently Asked Questions About โ€œstymieโ€

1. What is the meaning of โ€œstymieโ€ in English?

In English, stymie (verb) is defined as: โ€œTo prevent or hinder the progress of; to thwart or stump.โ€.

2. How do you use โ€œstymieโ€ in a sentence?

โ€œThe sudden budget cuts stymied the research team's efforts to complete the project.โ€

3. What are English synonyms of โ€œstymieโ€?

Common synonyms include:thwart,hinder,impede,obstruct,frustrate

4. What is the etymology and word origin of โ€œstymieโ€?

Originating in the mid-19th century, the term comes from golf. In early 20th-century golf rules, a 'stymie' occurred when an opponent's ball lay on the putting green directly in the line of a player's putt, obstructing the path to the hole. By extension, it entered general usage to describe any situation that presents an obstacle or prevents progress.