obstruct
/əbˈstrʌkt/to block or get in the way of something, making it difficult or impossible to proceed
The protesters obstructed the entrance to the building.
The protesters blocked the entrance, preventing people from entering.
His stubborn attitude obstructs any attempt at compromise.
His unwillingness to change makes it hard to reach an agreement.
Can be used both physically (blocking a path) and metaphorically (hindering progress).
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💡Pro Tip
Formal vs. Informal Use
In formal contexts, 'obstruct' is often used in legal or official settings, while in everyday speech, 'block' or 'hinder' may be more common.
⚡Gold Rule
Legal Context
In legal contexts, 'obstruct' can refer to actions that interfere with justice, such as obstructing an investigation or obstructing justice.
📖Word Origin
From Latin 'obstructus', past participle of 'obstruere' (to build against, block), from 'ob-' (against) + 'struere' (to build).
📝Usage Notes
Often used in legal contexts to describe actions that interfere with justice or official proceedings.