A reversal or defeat in progress; an event that delays or prevents advancement toward a goal.
Originally an architectural term from the early 20th century, referring to the required distance a building must be set back from a property line. The metaphorical use emerged from the idea of being forced to move backward from an intended position.
The architectural origin of 'setback' gives us insight into urban planning - setback requirements create the varied skylines we see in cities, as buildings must step back at certain heights to allow light to reach the streets. This physical stepping back perfectly captured the metaphorical sense of being forced to retreat from progress.
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