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

The separate investigation by the House Ethics Committee, which will now be closed out, was considering whether Gaetz “engaged in sexual misconduct and illicit drug use” or “sought to obstruct government investigations of his conduct,” among other things, the committee said in June.

From Los Angeles Times

Smith's case against Trump in D.C., accusing him of attempting to subvert President Joe Biden's 2020 electoral victory and obstruct Congress' certification of the results on Jan. 6, 2021, was dealt a heavy blow in July when the Supreme Court ruled the former president was broadly immune from official acts conducted within "his core constitutional powers" while in office.

From Salon

Trump was able to reassert dominance among Republicans, though—partly because the Republicans sent to obstruct him, namely DeSantis, didn’t translate well to the national stage.

From Slate

The deal collapsed in May 2023 when it emerged that the money-laundering probe would obstruct government approval of the merger.

From Los Angeles Times

Regarding the threat of jail, Mr Watson said, reflecting on one of the proposed measures listed by the government: "It's threatening to send them to prison if they obstruct an investigation into lawbreaking, so that’s pretty random. I don't think anyone will be going to prison."

From BBC

Related Words

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