Obstruct
/əbˈstrʌkt/
Definitions
To block or impede the passage, progress, or view of something.
/əbˈstrʌkt/
To block or impede something's progress.
The fallen tree obstructed the road.
💡 Simply: Think of it like putting something in the way, like a big rock on a road that stops cars from going by. You're obstructing their journey!
👶 For kids: To stop something from going through.
More Examples
He was accused of obstructing justice.
A high wall obstructed their view of the ocean.
How It's Used
"Construction workers obstructed the road, causing traffic delays."
"The senator attempted to obstruct the passage of the bill through filibustering."
Idioms & expressions
obstruct the flow
To impede the natural or expected progression of something.
"The bureaucracy obstructed the flow of information."
obstruct justice
To interfere with the administration of legal proceedings.
"The lawyer was accused of attempting to obstruct justice by concealing evidence."
From Latin *obstruere* 'to build against, block up', from *ob-* 'against' + *struere* 'to build'.
The word has been used since the 15th century, initially relating to physical barriers, and gradually extending to abstract concepts like impeding progress or justice.
Memory tip
Imagine a giant wall (obstruct) built in the middle of a pathway, blocking everything.
Word Origin
"to build"