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 Word Forms

• obstructively adverb
• obstructiveness obstructivity noun
• nonobstructive adjective
• nonobstructively adverb
• nonobstructiveness noun
• unobstructive 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

A new study found people with untreated obstructive sleep apnea could have an increased risk of developing Parkinson’s disease.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

The medical device maker, which specializes in treatments for obstructive sleep apnea, was upgraded to Buy from Hold at Stifel.

Read more on Barron's

Weight-loss drugs remain a risk to the company’s core business, seeing as Inspire Medical caters to patients with obstructive sleep apnea, a breathing disorder frequently linked to obesity.

Read more on Barron's

Delegates involved in preparatory work said Argentina's representatives have been obstructive.

Read more on Barron's

A Home Office source said the countries were being targeted "for their unacceptably low cooperation and obstructive returns processes".

Read more on BBC

Related Words

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