1. (

• hindrance ,
• hinderance ,
• deterrent ,
• impediment ,
• balk ,
• baulk ,
• check ,
• handicap

) something immaterial that interferes with or delays action or progress ;

2. (

• obstruction ,
• obstructor ,
• obstructer ,
• impediment ,
• impedimenta ,

) any structure that makes progress difficult ;