obstruct
verb (used with object)
to block or close up with an obstacle; make difficult to pass.
was obstructing
-
past progressiveof obstruct.past progressive
Used to describe an ongoing action or continuous state that was happening at a specific time in the past.
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar on Friday had denied Israel was obstructing the process.
From Barron's ● Oct. 10, 2026
Replacement gear from a European company was obstructing a safety beacon for airplanes.
From New York Times ● May 9, 2023
Mike Porter had Officer Rene Gonzalez move up toward the shed to pull down a shade that was obstructing the sightline from the team’s armored vehicle parked nearby.
From Los Angeles Times ● May 5, 2023
The Swift team said its Neil Gehrels Swift Observatory, a satellite telescope designed to study GRBs from space, was initially unable to observe the burst because the Earth was obstructing its view.
From BBC ● Mar. 28, 2023
De Roos was on the offensive again, trying to spoil Kwang’s show with the same questions about his role in the boycotts, suggesting that he was obstructing the efforts of the police and community groups.
From "Native Speaker" by Chang-rae Lee
