obstruct
UK[əbˈstrʌkt]US[əbˈstrʌkt]
v
To block or get in the way of something or someone.
v
To make it difficult for something to happen or for someone to do something.
Morpheme Breakdown
ob
struct
ob
against
struct
build
Etymology
The verb "obstruct" is built from two Latin elements. The prefix ob- carries the sense of being against or in front of something. It is combined with the root -struct, derived from the Latin verb struere, meaning "to build" or "to pile up". Literally, the ancient components meant "to build against" or "to pile up in front of". Over time, this concrete image of building a barrier evolved into the modern, more abstract meanings of blocking a passage, hindering progress, or impeding a process. The logic remains clear: to "build against" something is to create an obstacle for it.
Analysis
Structure: ob (against) + struct (build)
- ob: A Latin prefix meaning "against, in the way of, toward".
- struct: From the Latin root struere, meaning "to build, pile up, assemble".
Examples
A fallen tree obstructed the narrow road.
The senator was accused of attempting to obstruct the investigation.
Thick clouds began to obstruct the sun.