obstructive

[ uhb-struhk-tiv ]

adjective

1. blocking a passage or view:

   The scheme aimed to improve traffic circulation by removing obstructive parking.

2. interrupting, hindering, or opposing the progress or course of some process:

   This is an opportunity to share different viewpoints, so feel free to do so; but if disagreement becomes obstructive, we will not achieve our aims.

3. Pathology. characterized by a blockage, as of an airway, blood vessel, duct, or other passage in the body:

   Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a common disorder involving repetitive collapse of the upper airway during sleep.

Other Words From

• ob·struc·tive·ly adverb
• ob·struc·tive·ness, ob·struc·tiv·i·ty [ob-struhk-, tiv, -i-tee], noun
• non·ob·struc·tive adjective
• non·ob·struc·tive·ly adverb
• non·ob·struc·tive·ness noun
• un·ob·struc·tive adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of obstructive¹

First recorded in 1580–90; from Latin obstruct(us), past participle of obstruere ( obstruct ( def ) ), + -ive ( def )

Example Sentences

But with her heart set on the stage, her mother was obstructive: refusing to let her daughter sit the exams for the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art.

From BBC

Lynda Obst died months after she revealed to the Hollywood Reporter in February that she had been living with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, COPD, for years.

From Los Angeles Times

“Under Fischer, the Office may not use the statute as a catchall provision to criminalize otherwise-lawful activities selectively mischaracterized as obstructive by those with opposing political views,” Trump’s attorneys wrote.

From Slate

On Monday, she told the court the company was "endeavouring to comply" with the order and that it was not attempting to be "obstructive or difficult" through the delay.

From BBC

Perry, who was found dead in a hot tub at his home in Los Angeles, suffered from diabetes and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, which can cause airflow blockage and breathing-related problems.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• anti
• antithetical
• averse
• disputed
• hostile
• inimical
• opposing