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.
Replacement gear from a European company was obstructing a safety beacon for airplanes.
From New York Times ● May 9, 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
The next day she underwent surgery for an aneurysm that was obstructing her optic nerve, suffering a stroke that left her in critical condition, according to her husband, Junior Rivas, 52.
From Seattle Times ● Mar. 5, 2023
Lujan, along with Undersheriff Martin Trujillo, then arrived at Vigil’s home, according to the search warrant, and detectives at the scene said they thought Lujan was obstructing their investigation.
From Washington Times ● May 17, 2020
It was difficult to hear what they were saying because their voices sounded like bees, as if something was obstructing their noses.
From "A Long Way Gone: Memoirs of a Boy Soldier" by Ishmael Beah
