How to pronounce obstruct
Say it like ub-STRUHKT. Obstruct has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (STRUHKT).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce obstruct. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- ub
- STRUHKT
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Obstruct pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- ubKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
- STRUHKTSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "u" in cup.
American vs British pronunciation of obstruct
American and British speakers say obstruct in essentially the same way: /əbˈstrʌkt/ in the US and /əbˈstrʌkt/ in the UK.
British respelling: ub-STRUHKT.
What does obstruct mean?
- To block or fill (a passage) with obstacles or an obstacle.
- To impede, retard, or interfere with; hinder.“They obstructed my progress.”
- To get in the way of so as to hide from sight.
Where does obstruct come from?
From Latin past participle stem obstruct- (“blocked up”), from verb obstruere, from ob (“against”) + struere (“pile up, build”).
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Opposite meaning
Words that rhyme with obstruct
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of obstruct.
Questions about saying obstruct
How do you pronounce obstruct?
Say ub-STRUHKT. The American pronunciation is /əbˈstrʌkt/. In British English it is /əbˈstrʌkt/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in obstruct?
Obstruct has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (STRUHKT). Broken into parts: ub · STRUHKT.
Do Americans and Brits say obstruct the same way?
Almost exactly. The American form is /əbˈstrʌkt/ and the British form is /əbˈstrʌkt/, so you can use either pronunciation with any listener.