obstruct
UK: əbˈstrʌkt | US: əbˈstrʌkt
vt. to block or impede movement or progress
vt. to hinder or prevent an action or process
obstruct = ob<against> + struct<build>
- ob<against>: From Latin ob, meaning "against" or "in the way."
- struct<build>: From Latin structus (past participle of struere), meaning "to build" or "to pile up."
Etymology Origin:
The word obstruct originates from Latin obstruere ("to block, build against"), combining ob- (against) and struere (to build). The logic is vivid: imagine building a wall (struct) directly in front of something (ob-) to block it. Over time, the term evolved into English with the same core idea of hindering or blocking progress.
The fallen tree obstructed the road, forcing drivers to take a detour.
Protesters attempted to obstruct the entrance to the government building.
Thick fog obstructed the pilot’s view during landing.
Bureaucratic red tape often obstructs innovation in large organizations.
She refused to let fear obstruct her path to success.