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

He also suffered multiple health issues — neurogenerative disorder, obstructive sleep apnea, chronic respiratory failure and chronic kidney disease — before his death.

From Los Angeles Times

"We always aim to promptly collect obstructive or misparked bikes reported to us via the 'report bad parking' function in our app within a matter of hours," a Lime spokesperson said.

From BBC

It noted: "Female members of staff in particular, reported being spoken over, side-lined or discussed in public as being obstructive if they attempted to be heard."

From BBC

According to a statement from his family, the bandleader passed away after a "prolonged battle" with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and other health issues.

From Salon

The president and his so-called immigration czar, Tom Homan, have suggested that political leadership — including Newsom himself — could face arrest over “obstructive” behavior.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

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