Obstruct for Dummies

Obstruct is a word that we use to describe when something is blocking or getting in the way of something else. Imagine you are going for a walk, and suddenly you come across a big, tall wall right in the middle of your path. That wall is obstructing your way forward, making it difficult or even impossible for you to continue with your walk. In a similar way, when we say something obstructs, we mean that it is creating a barrier or blocking the way for something to happen smoothly.

Now, this word can have a few different meanings depending on the context, and each meaning might have its own way of obstructing things. For example, if we're talking about a physical object obstructing something, like that wall on your walking path, it means that the object is physically preventing something from moving forward, just like that wall is preventing you from continuing your walk. It could be something like a tree branch obstructing your view or even a big rock obstructing a river's flow, preventing the water from moving freely.

But sometimes, when we use the word "obstruct," we're not talking about something physical, but rather actions or processes. For example, let's say you and your friend are trying to play a game, but your little brother keeps interrupting and distracting you. In this case, your little brother is obstructing your fun, making it difficult for you and your friend to enjoy the game peacefully. So, obstruct can also mean getting in the way of something happening smoothly or as planned, regardless of whether it is a physical object or a person's actions.

Furthermore, obstruct can be used in a more abstract or metaphorical sense. Let's say you have a big dream of becoming a successful musician, but you constantly doubt yourself and let negative thoughts obstruct your progress. In this case, the doubts and negative thoughts are like invisible barriers that are blocking you from achieving your musical dreams. So, obstruct can also refer to internal barriers or challenges that we face, which might not be physically visible but still hinder our progress in some way.

As you can see, "obstruct" is all about something or someone preventing or blocking the way for something else. It can be a physical object, an action, or even those external or internal challenges that keep us from achieving our goals. So, whenever you come across this word, just remember the big wall on your walking path, and you'll know that it means something is getting in the way and stopping things from progressing smoothly or as planned.