obstructive

American  

[uhb-struhk-tiv] / əbˈstrʌk tɪv /

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.

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Other Word Forms

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

Etymology

Origin of obstructive

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

Example Sentences

New findings indicate that people who do not treat obstructive sleep apnea face a greater likelihood of developing Parkinson's disease.

From Science Daily

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

From The Wall Street Journal

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

From 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.

From Barron's

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

From Barron's

Related Words

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