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

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

Two of the three-member board, both experienced safeguarding professionals, had previously said the Church had been obstructive, and had interfered in their work.

From BBC

The certificate gives the cause of death as “exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and bronchial asthma together with low grade lower respiratory tract infection,” according to the Irish Independent.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

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