Definition of obstruct

The origins of the word "obstruct" can be traced back to Old French, where it was spelled as "obstrecer" and meant "to hold back" or "prevent." This French word likely derived from the Latin "obstrictere," which carried a similar meaning. In Latin, "obstrictere" was a compound word formed by combining "ob," meaning "against," "strictere," meaning "to constrict" or "squeeze." The Latin term was typically used in legal contexts to describe an action that impeded or impedes another's rights or actions, often in a legal or administrative setting. The Old French word "obstrecer" was adopted into Middle English around the 13th century, where its spelling evolved to "obstr ICEN" or "obstr antescen," with variant spellings based on the region and time period. It was most commonly used to describe an obstruction, hindrance, or prevention of something or someone's progress or course of action. The term's meaning evolved over time alongside improvements in transportation, engineering, and technology, particularly during the Industrial Revolution when its use became more commonly associated with machines, barriers, and construction. In modern usage, "obstruct" typically implies preventing or impeding an action, event, or progress, often with a negative connotation based on the context in which it's used.