obstaculizar
verbCEFR B2
What does “obstaculizar” mean in English?
to obstruct, to impede
to obstruct, to impede (obstaculizar el acceso/proceso — place obstacles in the way of progress or action)
Example sentences
La burocracia obstaculiza el desarrollo de nuevas empresas.
Bureaucracy hinders the development of new businesses.
Los manifestantes obstaculizaron el tráfico durante horas.
The protesters blocked traffic for hours.
No dejes que el miedo obstaculice tus ambiciones.
Don't let fear impede your ambitions.
How to use it
obstaculizar means 'to obstruct', 'to hinder', or 'to impede' — to place obstacles in the way of a process or goal. It is formal. The -c- changes to -c- before e in conjugation (no spelling change needed: regular -ar with silent obstacle).
Common mistake
English 'obstruct' and 'hinder' both map to obstaculizar, but obstaculizar is often more formal. In everyday speech Spaniards may say poner trabas a or dificultar.