obstructive

[ uhb-struhk-tiv ]
See synonyms for obstructive on Thesaurus.com
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.

  1. 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.

Origin of obstructive

1
First recorded in 1580–90; from Latin obstruct(us), past participle of obstruere (see obstruct), + -ive

Other words from obstructive

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

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2024