versperren
Translation
to block, to obstruct, to bar
Examples
Ein Unfall versperrt die Autobahn.
An accident is blocking the motorway.
Der Schrank versperrt den Eingang.
The cupboard is blocking the entrance.
Er versperrte mir die Sicht auf die Bühne.
He blocked my view of the stage.
Grammar Patterns
((sth.)) to block sth. A fallen tree is blocking the road.
((sb.dat)) ((sth.acc)) to block sth. for sb. He blocked my view.
Similar Words
blockieren (to block), behindern (to hinder)
Etymology
From the prefix 'ver-' (indicating something done completely or incorrectly) + 'sperren' (to lock, to block).
Memory Tips
Think of 'sperren' as 'to bar' or 'lock'. 'versperren' means to completely bar the way.