obstruct equality

[/əbˈstrʌkt iˈkwɑːləti/]
verb phrase
obstruir a igualdade
1. to deliberately block, hinder, or prevent the achievement or implementation of equal rights, opportunities, or treatment for all people
The discriminatory policies obstruct equality in the workplace by favoring certain groups over others.
As políticas discriminatórias obstruem a igualdade no local de trabalho ao favorecer certos grupos em detrimento de outros.
2. to create barriers that prevent fair and equal access to resources, services, or opportunities
Lack of accessibility infrastructure obstructs equality for people with disabilities.
A falta de infraestrutura de acessibilidade obstrui a igualdade para pessoas com deficiência.
This phrase is commonly used in legal, political, and social justice discourse in both the United States and Brazil. In Brazilian Portuguese, it appears frequently in discussions about affirmative action (ações afirmativas), racial justice (justiça racial), and labor rights (direitos trabalhistas). The concept is central to constitutional protections and human rights advocacy in both countries.
Synonyms / Sinônimos
hinder equalityimpede equalityblock equalityprevent equalitythwart equalityundermine equality
Antonyms / Antônimos
promote equalityadvance equalityfacilitate equalityensure equalityuphold equality

Regional Variations

General Brazilian Portuguese
obstruir a igualdade
Most common and formal usage across Brazil
Rio de Janeiro
bloquear a igualdade
More colloquial alternative sometimes used
São Paulo
impedir a igualdade
Commonly used in formal and legal contexts
Portugal
obstruir a igualdade
Same as Brazilian Portuguese; formal and legal contexts

Related Words

discriminationinequitybiasinjusticeexclusionmarginalizationequal rightscivil rights

Related Idioms & Phrases

create a level playing field (antonym/opposite concept)
stack the deck against someone (related negative concept)
tip the scales in favor of (opposite concept)
put up roadblocks to equality
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