rhizoverbBeta
DictionaryhitchTemporary problem
noun

hitch

HICH/hˈɪtʃ/

A temporary problem that interrupts progress.

The suitcase wheel caught on the mat creates a brief hitch.

A rolling suitcase briefly stops at a doorway because its small wheel has caught on a curled doormat; its owner bends to free the wheel.
Etymology
hitchEnglishto move jerkily, catch, or fasten

The jerking, catching, and fastening uses form one English family. Obstructions and periods of service extend those uses; deeper ancestry is uncertain.

In context

euronews0:01
Russia's space agency has been left red-faced the last minute technical hitch has forced it to delay the inaugural launch
Technical hitch delays first rocket launch at Russian cosmodrome

More examples

  • The ceremony went ahead without a hitch.
  • We encountered a small hitch during installation.
  • A scheduling hitch delayed the delivery.

Forms

hitch · hitches

Similar words

snag
A similar unexpected obstacle.
delay
Names lost time rather than the problem causing it.