Latin · prefix
ob-
toward, against; in the way
Forms
- ob-
- oc- — Used before c in Latin.
- of- — Used before f in Latin.
- op- — Used before p in Latin.
Origin
Usually traced to reconstructed Proto-Indo-European *epi, ‘on; near; against.’
Note
Facing something can suggest either approaching it or standing in its way.
Words sharing this root
obbligatoAn accompanying musical part essential to a composition.obdurateStubbornly refusing to change an opinion or course of action.obedienceThe act or habit of following rules or commands.obedientWilling to follow commands, rules, or authority.obeseHaving excessive body fat that may harm health.obesityThe condition of having excessive body fat.obeyTo do what a person or rule tells you to do.obfuscateTo make something unclear or hard to understand.obfuscationThe act or result of making something unclear or confusing.objectA person or thing toward which an action or feeling is directed.objectTo express disagreement or opposition.objectA material thing that can be seen or touched.objectA goal someone aims to achieve.objectionA statement or reason expressing opposition to something.objectiveBased on evidence rather than personal feelings.objectiveA goal to be achieved.obligateTo bind someone or something to a duty or purpose.obligateBiologically restricted to a particular condition or way of life.obligationSomething a person is required or committed to do.obligatoryRequired or expected by a rule, duty, or custom.obliterateTo destroy or erase something completely.obliterationThe complete destruction or erasure of something.oblongA shape longer than it is wide, usually rectangular or oval.obloquyHarsh public condemnation.obnoxiousExtremely unpleasant or annoying.obsequiousExcessively eager to please someone in authority.observableAble to be seen, noticed, or measured.observanceThe practice of following an established rule or custom.observationThe act of carefully watching or examining something.observationThe act of following a custom or rule.observatoryA facility equipped for scientific observation, especially of objects in space.observeTo follow a rule or established custom.observeTo notice or watch something carefully.obsessTo occupy someone's mind or dwell on something persistently, often in a troubling way.obsessionAn intense, persistent preoccupation with someone or something.obstacleSomething that blocks movement, progress, or achievement.obstructTo block passage or hinder progress.obstructionSomething that blocks or hinders movement or progress, or the act of doing so.obtainTo get or secure something.obtainTo exist or be in effect in a particular situation.obtrudeTo force something or oneself into notice in an unwelcome way.obtuseBlunt rather than sharp or pointed.obtuseHaving an angle greater than 90 degrees but less than 180 degrees.obviateTo make something unnecessary or prevent it through prior action.obviousEasy to see or understand.occludeTo block or close off a passage, view, or flow.occlusionThe way the upper and lower teeth meet.occlusionThe overtaking of a warm front by a cold front.occlusionThe blocking or closing of a passage, opening, or view.occupantA person living in or using a place or vehicle.occupationAn activity that takes up a person's time and attention.occupationThe use or possession of a place.occupyTo take up or hold space in a place.occurTo take place.occurTo come into someone's mind.occurTo exist or be found in a particular place or situation.occurrenceAn instance or fact of something happening or existing.offendTo cause hurt or anger, or break a rule or law.offensiveCausing anger, hurt, or disgust.offensiveAn effort to gain an advantage by attacking.offerSomething proposed or made available for acceptance.offeringSomething presented for acceptance or use.omissionThe act of leaving something out or something left out.omitTo leave something out or fail to do it.opponentA person or side acting against another.opportuneHappening at a suitable time or favorable for a particular purpose.opposeTo act against someone or something.oppositeSituated across from or facing something.oppositionResistance to someone or something.oppositionAn alignment in which two celestial bodies appear on opposite sides of the sky.oppressto subject someone to severe hardship or unjust controloppressionCruel or unjust exercise of power over people.oppressionA feeling of being heavily burdened or distressed.oppressiveImposing a harsh and burdensome restriction.oppressorA person, group, or system that cruelly or unjustly controls others.ostensibleAppearing or stated to be true, but possibly not.oustTo force someone out of a position, place, or power.reoccurTo happen again.