From The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:
Obstacle \Ob"sta*cle\, n. [F., fr. L. obstaculum, fr. obstare to
withstand, oppose; ob (see Ob-) + stare to stand. See
Stand. and cf. Oust, v.]
That which stands in the way, or opposes; anything that
hinders progress; a hindrance; an obstruction, physical or
moral.
[1913 Webster]
If all obstacles were cut away.
And that my path were even to the crown. --Shak.
[1913 Webster]
Syn: Impediment; obstuction; hindrance; difficulty. See
Impediment, and Obstruction.
[1913 Webster]