obstruct etymology

Etymology

The word "obstruct" comes from the Latin word "obstruere," which means "to block, hinder, or obstruct." It is composed of the prefix "ob-" (meaning "against") and the root "struere" (meaning "to build or pile up").

Meaning

To obstruct means to prevent the passage or progress of something by blocking it or hindering it. It can be used in a physical sense (e.g., obstructing a doorway) or a figurative sense (e.g., obstructing someone's progress).

Origin

The word "obstruct" has been used in English since the 14th century. It is derived from the Latin word "obstruere," which was first used in the 1st century BC. The Latin word is thought to be derived from the Indo-European root ster-, which means "to spread out or extend."

Examples of Use

  • The fallen tree obstructed the road, making it impassable.
  • The government's policies are obstructing economic growth.
  • The defendant was accused of obstructing justice by refusing to cooperate with the investigation.

obstruct relate terms

  • obstruction

    Etymology The word obstruction comes from the Latin word obstruere meaning to bloc

  • unobstructed

    Etymology un prefix not obstructed participle of obstruct blocked or hindered

  • obstruct

    Etymology The word obstruct comes from the Latin word obstruere which means to bloc

  • free

    Etymology The word free comes from the Old English word freo which in turn derives f

  • block

    Etymology The word block has two distinct etymologies Germanic origin From Middle

  • block

    Etymology The word block has two distinct etymologies Germanic origin From Middle

  • stonewall

    Etymology The term Stonewall has its origins in the name of Thomas Stonewall Jackson

  • barricade

    Etymology The word barricade comes from the Middle French barricade which in turn i

  • cross

    Etymology The word cross comes from the Old English word cros which itself is deriv

  • post

    Etymology From Middle English post from Anglo Norman and Old French post from Latin p

  • spot

    Etymology The word spot traces its origins back to Old English OE specifically to t

  • stop

    Etymology The word stop comes from the Middle English word stoppen which itself deri