OBSTRUCTIVE Meaning and
Definition
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Obstructive is an adjective used to describe something or someone that acts as a hindrance or obstacle. It pertains to behaviors or things that physically or metaphorically block, impede, or interfere with progress, functioning, or free movement. The term can be applied to various contexts, including physical obstructions, interpersonal interactions, or processes.
In a physical sense, obstructive refers to objects or barriers that prevent the smooth flow or passage of something, such as an obstructive roadblock restricting traffic. It can also describe physical qualities that hinder a function or cause discomfort, like an obstructive airway that obstructs breathing.
Metaphorically, obstructive portrays actions, attitudes, or behaviors that intentionally or unintentionally inhibit or impede the achievement of a goal or the smooth running of a process. For instance, an obstructive colleague is someone who consistently creates difficulties, delays or intentionally blocks progress in a project. Similarly, an obstructive bureaucracy refers to a system characterized by excessive red tape or unnecessary checks, hampering efficiency.
Overall, obstructive encompasses anything that stands in the way, prevents smooth operation, or causes hindrance or delay, whether it be physical objects, hindering behaviors, or impeding processes.
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• Hindering; causing impediment.
• One who or that which hinders progress.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
Common Misspellings for OBSTRUCTIVE
Etymology of OBSTRUCTIVE
The word "obstructive" comes from the Latin word "obstructivus", which is derived from the verb "obstruere". In Latin, "obstruere" means "to block, stop up, or hinder". The verb is formed by combining the prefix "ob-" (meaning "against" or "in front of") and "struere" (meaning "to build" or "to arrange"). Therefore, "obstructive" originally referred to something or someone that causes obstruction or acts as a hindrance.
Similar spelling words for OBSTRUCTIVE
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