obstacle-race

Definition

1. Noun (countable):
   • A type of race in which participants must overcome a series of physical barriers, such as walls, nets, or water pits, as part of the course. This term specifically refers to a competitive sporting event where obstacles are placed along the track to test speed, agility, and endurance.

Usage Examples

• (A race with physical barriers for military or athletic training.)
• (A competitive event with obstacles for enjoyment or fitness.)
• (A segment of a longer race featuring obstacles.)

Advanced Usage

• "to run an obstacle-race": to participate in such a race.
  • He ran an obstacle-race for charity, raising money by scaling walls and crawling through tunnels. (To complete the race as a participant.)
• "obstacle-race course": the physical layout of barriers used in the race.
  • The obstacle-race course included a rope swing, a cargo net, and a balance beam. (The specific set of obstacles arranged for the competition.)
• Figurative use: a situation or process that is full of difficulties or challenges.
  • Getting a visa was an obstacle-race of paperwork, interviews, and waiting periods. (A metaphorical race with many bureaucratic hurdles.)

Variants and Related Words

• Obstacle (noun): a thing that blocks one's way or prevents progress.
  • The fallen tree was an obstacle on the hiking trail. (A physical barrier.)
• Race (noun): a competition to see who is fastest over a set distance.
  • The 100-meter race was won by a narrow margin. (A speed contest.)
• Obstacle course (noun): a series of physical challenges, often used in training or recreation (similar to obstacle-race but may not always be competitive).
  • The children enjoyed the obstacle course in the playground. (A non-competitive set of barriers for fun.)

Synonyms

• Steeplechase: a long-distance race with obstacles, especially in athletics or horse racing.
  • The steeplechase required runners to jump over barriers and wade through water. (A specific type of obstacle-race with fixed barriers.)
• Assault course: a military-style obstacle-race designed to test fitness and agility.
  • The recruits completed the assault course in under ten minutes. (A rigorous obstacle-race for training.)
• Hurdles race: a race where participants jump over frame-like barriers.
  • She excelled in the 400-meter hurdles race. (A race with a specific type of obstacle, but not a full obstacle-race.)

Related Idioms

• To throw obstacles in someone's way: to deliberately make a task difficult for someone.
  • The manager kept throwing obstacles in her way, delaying the project. (To create difficulties or barriers.)
• To overcome obstacles: to succeed despite difficulties.
  • He overcame many obstacles to become a doctor. (To surmount challenges metaphorically, not necessarily in a race.)