stymie

sty‧mie  /ˈstaɪmi/ Pronunciation Key - Show Spelled Pronunciation[stahy-mee] Pronunciation Key - Show IPA Pronunciation noun, verb, -mied, -mie‧ing.
–noun

1.	Golf. (on a putting green) an instance of a ball's lying on a direct line between the cup and the ball of an opponent about to putt.

2.	a situation or problem presenting such difficulties as to discourage or defeat any attempt to deal with or resolve it.

–verb (used with object)

3.	to hinder, block, or thwart.