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

Other Word Forms

• obstructedly adverb
• obstructer noun
• obstructor noun
• obstructingly adverb
• obstructive adjective
• preobstruct verb (used with object)
• unobstructed adjective
• obstructiveness noun
• obstructively adverb

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

They will be questioned for obstructing the investigation to locate the painting, according to a judicial official quoted in local media.

From BBC

“If routine oversight can be obstructed for political reasons, no member of Congress is immune,” he said.

From Salon

One theory, says Iran expert Andrew Cooper, is that Gaddafi was influenced by Iranian hardliners, alarmed that Sadr was about to obstruct their objectives for the Iranian Revolution.

From BBC

But the footage released Thursday on the LAPD’s YouTube channel offers only obstructed views of the shooting from several officers on scene, without capturing Flores’ actions in the moments before he was shot.

From Los Angeles Times

He was indicted Thursday by a federal grand jury over the March assault and now faces additional assault charges over an alleged December 2023 assault and efforts to obstruct the crime.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

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