'stymie' originates from Scottish, specifically the word 'stymie,' where 'stymie' meant 'a situation on a golf course where an opponent's ball blocks the hole.'

'stymie' changed from the Scottish word 'stymie' and eventually became the modern English word 'stymie'.

Initially, it meant 'a situation in golf,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'to hinder or obstruct.'