Stymie
To obstruct or hinder the progress of; to thwart or foil a plan or action.
verbStymie
To obstruct or hinder the progress of; to thwart or foil a plan or action.
verbImagine This
Imagine you're solving a difficult puzzle and, just as you think youβve found the right move, a colossal wall slides into place, blocking every path forward. You are stymied.
Sounds Like
STY-mee (pronounced /ΛstaΙͺ.miΛ/)
Looks Like
Looks like 'stymy' (alternate spelling); visually evokes the idea of a blockage (sty).
Remember This
The word originated from the game of golf, where a ball blocking another on the putting green gave rise to the sense of a blockage; it has since broadened to mean any obstacle that prevents progress.
Other Forms
Note
Stymie is most commonly used as a verb. The noun form 'stymie' (or the variant 'stymy') refers to the obstacle itself. Be mindful of spelling variants in older texts or sports contexts.