The word "obstructed" is spelled with the phonemes /əbˈstrʌktɪd/ in the International Phonetic Alphabet. The first syllable is pronounced with the schwa sound /ə/ and is stressed. The second syllable is pronounced with the consonant blend /str/ followed by the vowel sound /ʌ/. The final syllable is pronounced with the consonant sound /t/ followed by the vowel sound /ɪd/. The spelling of this word follows common English conventions, where the letters "tr" represent the /tr/ sound and the letter "ed" represents the past tense ending.
"Obstructed" refers to a condition in which something is blocked or hindered from progressing, moving, or functioning properly. It describes a state where an object, passage, or process is impeded, obstructed, or prevented from its intended or natural course.
When something is obstructed, there are physical or abstract obstacles that prevent it from proceeding smoothly or completely. Physical obstructions can include physical objects, barriers, or structures that hinder or block movement, such as a fallen tree blocking a road or a pile of boxes obstructing a hallway. Abstract obstructions can refer to conditions or circumstances that impede progress or hinder the achievement of an objective, such as bureaucratic red tape obstructing the completion of a project or a language barrier obstructing effective communication.
The term "obstructed" can be applied to various contexts, including physical spaces, transit routes, processes, functions, activities, or actions. For example, a person's airway can be obstructed when they are unable to breathe due to a blockage, or a legal case can be obstructed when vital evidence is withheld. In each case, the obstruction prevents the normal or intended functioning, flow, or progress of something, leading to a disruption, delay, or failure to achieve the desired outcome.
Blocked up; impeded; hindered.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
The word "obstructed" derives from the Latin verb "obstruere", which is a combination of the prefix "ob-" (meaning "against" or "in the way") and the verb "struere" (meaning "to build" or "to pile up"). Therefore, the literal meaning of "obstructed" is "to build against" or "to pile up in the way". Over time, this Latin term evolved into the Old French word "obstruer" before ultimately becoming "obstruct" in English.