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

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

Within a few days, Mr Comey was charged with making false statements to lawmakers and obstructing a congressional proceeding.

Read more on BBC

Comey pleaded not guilty on Wednesday to charges of making false statements to Congress and obstructing a congressional proceeding.

Read more on Barron's

Comey, 64 years old, was charged last month with making a false statement and obstructing a congressional proceeding.

Read more on Wall Street Journal

A handful of other defendants have been convicted of procedural violations such as obstructing justice.

Read more on Wall Street Journal

James Comey, the former director of the US Federal Bureau of Investigation, has pleaded not guilty to making false statements to lawmakers and obstructing a congressional proceeding.

Read more on BBC

Related Words

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