Main Difference
The main difference between Obstacle and Hurdle is that the Obstacle is a impeding object and Hurdle is a obstacle used in track and field hurdles.
Obstacle
An obstacle (also called a barrier, impediment, or stumbling block) is an object, thing, action or situation that causes an obstruction. Different types of obstacles include physical, economic, biopsychosocial, cultural, political, technological and military.
Hurdle
A hurdle (UK English, limited US English) is a moveable section of light fence. In the United States, terms such as “panel”, “pipe panel” or simply “fence section” are used to describe moveable sections of fencing intended for agricultural use and crowd control; “hurdle” refers primarily to fences used as jumping obstacles for steeplechasing with horses or human track and field competition.
Traditional hurdles were made from wattle, but modern designs for fencing are often made of metal. They are used for handling livestock, as decorative fencing, for steeplechasing and in the track and field event of hurdling.
Obstacle (noun)
Something that impedes, stands in the way of, or holds up progress
“A big obstacle to understanding the manual was that it had been poorly translated from the Japanese.”
Hurdle (noun)
An artificial barrier, variously constructed, over which athletes or horses jump in a race.
“He ran in the 100 metres hurdles.”
Hurdle (noun)
A perceived obstacle.
Hurdle (noun)
A movable frame of wattled twigs, osiers, or withes and stakes, or sometimes of iron, used for enclosing land, for folding sheep and cattle, for gates, etc.; also, in fortification, used as revetments, and for other purposes.
Hurdle (noun)
A sled or crate on which criminals were formerly drawn to the place of execution.
Hurdle (noun)
misspelling of hurtle
Hurdle (verb)
To jump over something while running.
“He hurdled the bench in his rush to get away.”
Hurdle (verb)
To compete in the track and field events of hurdles (e.g. high hurdles).
Hurdle (verb)
To overcome an obstacle.
Hurdle (verb)
To hedge, cover, make, or enclose with hurdles.
Hurdle (verb)
misspelling of hurtle
Obstacle (noun)
a thing that blocks one’s way or prevents or hinders progress
“the major obstacle to achieving that goal is money”
Hurdle (noun)
one of a series of upright frames over which athletes in a race must jump
“a hurdle race”
Hurdle (noun)
a hurdle race
“the 100 m hurdles”
Hurdle (noun)
a problem or difficulty that must be overcome
“many would like to emigrate to the United States, but face formidable hurdles”
Hurdle (noun)
a portable rectangular frame strengthened with withies or wooden bars, used as a temporary fence.
Hurdle (noun)
a horse race over a series of hurdles
“a handicap hurdle”
Hurdle (noun)
a frame on which traitors were dragged to execution.
Hurdle (verb)
take part in a hurdle race
“this gelding hurdled fluently”
“she took up hurdling”
Hurdle (verb)
jump over (a hurdle or other obstacle) while running
“all 450 runners had hurdled the barriers”
Hurdle (verb)
enclose or fence off with hurdles
“a maze of individual hurdled pens”