Obstruct

Pronunciation: /əbˈstrʌkt/

Definitions of obstruct

verb to block or hinder (an object, process, or person) by placing obstacles in the way

Example Sentences

A1 The fallen tree obstructed the path through the forest.

A2 The construction work obstructed the view of the mountains from the hotel.

B1 The tall buildings obstructed the sunlight from reaching the park.

B2 The political protests were starting to obstruct traffic in the city center.

C1 The government's decision to increase taxes was seen as an attempt to obstruct economic growth.

C2 The company's competitors were accused of trying to obstruct their expansion plans through legal means.

Examples of obstruct in a Sentence

formal The fallen tree obstructed the path, making it difficult for hikers to pass through.

informal Sorry, I didn't mean to obstruct your view of the stage.

slang Don't let that jerk obstruct your goals and dreams.

figurative Her fear of failure obstructed her from taking risks and pursuing her passions.

Grammatical Forms of obstruct

• past tense: obstructed
• plural: obstructs
• comparative: more obstructive
• superlative: most obstructive
• present tense: obstruct
• future tense: will obstruct
• perfect tense: has obstructed
• continuous tense: is obstructing
• singular: obstruct
• positive degree: obstructive
• infinitive: to obstruct
• gerund: obstructing
• participle: obstructed

Origin and Evolution of obstruct

First Known Use: 0015 year

Language of Origin: Latin

Story behind the word: The word 'obstruct' originated from the Latin word 'obstruere', which means 'to block or stop up'.

Evolution of the word: Over time, 'obstruct' has retained its original meaning of blocking or stopping up, but has also come to be used in a more general sense of hindering or impeding progress or movement.