obstruct

[ uhb-struhkt ]

verb (used with object)

1. to block or close up with an obstacle; make difficult to pass:

   Debris obstructed the road.

   Synonyms: arrest, retard, slow, check, prevent, impede, hinder, clog, choke, stop

   Antonyms: further, encourage

2. to interrupt, hinder, or oppose the passage, progress, course, etc., of.
3. to block from sight; to be in the way of (a view, passage, etc.).

obstruct

/ əbˈstrʌkt /

verb

1. to block (a road, passageway, etc) with an obstacle
2. to make (progress or activity) difficult
3. to impede or block a clear view of

Derived Forms

• obˈstructiveness, noun
• obˈstructively, adverb
• obˈstructive, adjectivenoun
• obˈstructor, noun

Other Words From

• ob·struct·ed·ly adverb
• ob·struct·er ob·struc·tor noun
• ob·struct·ing·ly adverb
• ob·struc·tive adjective
• pre·ob·struct verb (used with object)
• un·ob·struct·ed adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of obstruct¹

First recorded in 1605–15, obstruct is from the Latin word obstructus (past participle of obstruere “to build or pile up in the way, bar”); ob-, construct

Word History and Origins

Origin of obstruct¹

C17: Latin obstructus built against, past participle of obstruere, from ob- against + struere to build

Example Sentences

Charges in Trump's Florida federal case, which accused him of illegally retaining national security documents after leaving office and obstructing government efforts to retrieve them, were dismissed in July.

From Salon

He is accused of storing sensitive documents in his Mar-a-Lago home and obstructing Justice Department efforts to retrieve the files.

From BBC

Israeli security forces also obstructed access by humanitarian agencies.

From Salon

The offside law states: "The attacking player is penalised for preventing an opponent from playing or being able to play the ball by clearly obstructing the goalkeeper's line of vision."

From BBC

He suggested avoiding areas where views of the sky are obstructed and bringing a hot drink.

From BBC

Related Words

• block
• curb
• cut off
• hamper
• hinder
• impede
• inhibit
• interfere
• obscure
• retard
• stall
• stonewall
• stymie
• thwart