stymie

Sty"mie v.

To present an obstacle to; to hinder; to stand in the way of

U.S. protectionism stymies efforts to expand World Trade

The origin of the word stymie (or stimie) is Scots. It's original meaning is: to obstruct a golf shot by interposition of the opponent's ball.

Until 1952, when it was abolished, "the stymie" was a notable golf match feature. If an opponent's ball obstructed a player's line to the hole, it could only be marked if it lay within six inches. This forced stymied golfers to attempt some interesting shots on the green.

Sty"mie (?), n. Also Sti"my }. [Orig. uncertain.] (Golf)

The position of two balls on the putting green such that, being more than six inches apart, one ball lies directly between the other and the hole at which the latter must be played; also, the act of bringing the balls into this position.

© Webster 1913.

Sty"mie, v. t. Also Sti"my }. (Golf)

To bring into the position of, or impede by, a stymie.

© Webster 1913.