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Obstructions Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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obstructions

[ษ™bหˆstrสŒkสƒษ™nz ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

in construction

Obstructions are objects or structures that block or impede the progress of something, such as a road, path, or view. They can also refer to legal barriers or obstacles that prevent something from happening.

Synonyms

barrier, blockage, hindrance, impediment.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
obstructions

Generally used to describe something that is blocking a path or progress, often in a physical sense.

  • The road was closed due to multiple obstructions caused by fallen trees.
  • Their project faced several obstructions that delayed the completion date.
barrier

Commonly refers to a physical or metaphorical block that prevents movement or progress. Often used in contexts related to challenges or limitations.

  • The language barrier made communication difficult.
  • He installed a barrier to keep the animals out of his garden.
blockage

Typically referring to something that completely stops or blocks a flow or pathway, often physical like pipes or arteries.

  • The plumber fixed a blockage in the kitchen sink.
  • A blockage in the artery can cause serious health issues.
hindrance

Describes something that makes it more difficult to achieve something, often used in a more abstract or less severe sense.

  • The lack of resources was a hindrance to their progress.
  • Heavy traffic was a major hindrance to our travel plans.
impediment

Often used to describe something that specifically interferes with or delays progress, typically in a significant way. Can have a more formal tone.

  • Speech impediments can affect a child's ability to communicate.
  • Legal issues were an impediment to the project's development.

Examples of usage

  • Construction workers had to remove several obstructions from the site before they could continue building.
  • The fallen tree was causing an obstruction on the road, so traffic had to be rerouted.
  • The new regulations pose obstructions to the development of the project.
  • The fence created an obstruction that blocked the view of the lake.
  • The obstructions in the river were causing flooding in the area.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Legal Context

  • In legal terms, obstructions can refer to actions that hinder the course of justice, such as hiding evidence.
  • Obstructing a highway can be a criminal offense, emphasizing how physical blockages can have legal consequences.

Medical Science

  • In medicine, obstructions can refer to blockages in the human body, such as in arteries, intestines, or airways, which can be life-threatening.
  • Recognizing symptoms of obstructions early, like pain or swelling, can be critical for timely treatment.

Engineering

  • In construction and engineering, obstructions are carefully assessed to avoid disrupting the building process.
  • Engineers often have to plan routes for utilities to avoid natural obstructions like trees or rocks.

Psychology

  • Psychological obstructions can refer to mental barriers that prevent individuals from achieving goals, such as fear or anxiety.
  • Therapies often focus on identifying and overcoming these obstructions to improve mental health and personal growth.

Origin of 'obstructions'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Latin 'obstructio,' meaning 'to block or hinder.' This gives insight into its purpose as a barrier.
  • The prefix 'ob-' means 'against,' while 'structio' relates to building, suggesting an idea of building something that hinders progress.

The word 'obstructions' originated from the Latin word 'obstructio', which means 'a blocking up'. The concept of obstructions has been present throughout history, as physical barriers and legal obstacles have always existed. In construction, obstructions can refer to any objects or structures that hinder progress. Over time, the term has been used in various contexts to describe impediments or hindrances in different fields.

See also: obstruct, obstructed, obstructing, obstruction, obstructionist, obstructive, obstructor, unobstructed.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranked #11,764, this word falls into high-advanced vocabulary. It appears less frequently but is valuable for expressing precise meanings in specific contexts.