different between setback vs obstruction

English

Pronunciation

• IPA^(key): /?s?tbæk/

Etymology

From the verb phrase set back.

Noun

setback (plural setbacks)

1. An obstacle, delay, disadvantage, blow (an adverse event which retards or prevents progress towards a desired outcome)

   After some initial setbacks, the expedition went safely on its way.

2. (US) The required distance between a structure and a road.
3. (architecture) A step-like recession in a wall.

   Setbacks were initially used for structural reasons, but now are often mandated by land use codes.

4. An offset to the temperature setting of a thermostat to cover a period when more or less heating is required than usual.
   • 1980, Popular Science (volume 217, number 4)

     Fuel savings from thermostat setbacks have long been accepted as fact, but little documentation existed to support it.

5. (possibly archaic) A backset; a countercurrent; an eddy.
6. (archaic) A backset; a check; a repulse; a relapse.

Translations

Anagrams

• backest, backets, backset

English

Etymology

From Latin obstructio (“hindrance”), from obstruo (“build against, block, stop”).

Pronunciation

• (UK) IPA^(key): /?b?st??k.??n/

Noun

obstruction (countable and uncountable, plural obstructions)

1. The act of obstructing, or state of being obstructed.
2. Something which obstructs or impedes, either intentionally or unintentionally

   Synonyms: obstacle, impediment, hindrance

3. The condition of having the natural powers obstructed in their usual course; the arrest of the vital functions; death.

Synonyms

• block
• hindrance
• impedance
• roadblock
• stop
• See also Thesaurus:hindrance

Derived terms

• deobstruction

Translations

French

Etymology

From Latin obstr?cti?.

Pronunciation

• IPA^(key): /?p.st?yk.sj??/

Noun

obstruction f (plural obstructions)

1. block (something that prevents passing)
2. obstruction

Further reading

• “obstruction” in Trésor de la langue française informatisé (The Digitized Treasury of the French Language).

Interlingua

Noun

obstruction (plural obstructiones)

1. obstruction