Literary notes about obstruct (AI summary)
The term “obstruct” is employed in literature with remarkable versatility, spanning from the literal blocking of physical passages to the metaphorical hindrance of progress and purpose. In ancient epics and mythological narratives, it is used to describe deliberate acts that thwart sacred or political ceremonies, as seen when rituals or royal decrees are purposefully impeded [1][2][3]. Equally, the word appears in natural and scientific contexts to denote physical barriers—such as when anatomical structures or natural obstacles limit movement or flow [4][5][6]—while in political and social commentary it criticizes actions that impede reform or liberty [7][8][9]. Even metaphorically, “obstruct” captures situations where clarity of thought or vision is hampered, whether literally obstructing one’s field of view or figuratively blinding an individual to opportunities [10][11][12]. This blend of the concrete and abstract underscores the enduring richness of its usage across genres and historical periods.
- Others said, ‘Let us become the king’s Ritwiks, and obstruct his sacrifice by saying at the outset, ‘Give us the sacrificial fee.’
— from The Mahabharata of Krishna-Dwaipayana Vyasa, Volume 1 - “Sahadeva, addressing Agni again, said,—‘O carrier of the sacrificial libations, it behoveth thee not to obstruct a sacrifice!’
— from The Mahabharata of Krishna-Dwaipayana Vyasa, Volume 1 - Do not obstruct my purpose, but leave me all of you.
— from The Mahabharata of Krishna-Dwaipayana Vyasa, Volume 1 - The pelvis may obstruct the passage of the child in a variety of ways.
— from A System of Midwifery by Edward Rigby - When we take cold, one or both of the tonsils may become inflamed, and so swollen as to obstruct the passage into the throat.
— from A Practical Physiology: A Text-Book for Higher Schools by Albert F. (Albert Franklin) Blaisdell - The washbowl ought without fail to be placed under a window, so that the shadows of those who stand round it may not obstruct the light.
— from The Ten Books on Architecture by Vitruvius Pollio - The tribunes alleged that that was done to obstruct the law, and a desperate contest was at hand.
— from The History of Rome, Books 01 to 08 by Livy - Through every conceivable channel they contrived to obstruct Russia's military effort.
— from Bolshevism: The Enemy of Political and Industrial Democracy by John Spargo - The exclusive privileges of corporations obstruct it from one place to another, even in the same employment.
— from An Inquiry into the Nature and Causes of the Wealth of Nations by Adam Smith - "If I obstruct your view, I will move," I said.
— from My Chinese Marriage by Mae M. Franking - Castles in the air may be as pretty as you please, but they are sure to obstruct some other mortal's view of the sky.
— from The Imitator: A Novel by Percival Pollard - From a confused sensation a defective law will be inferred, which, later, will obstruct the clear view of things.
— from Bouvard and Pécuchet: A Tragi-comic Novel of Bourgeois Life, part 1 by Gustave Flaubert
