obstruct
verb (used with object)
to block or close up with an obstacle; make difficult to pass.
were 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.
“There used to be three eucalyptus there, but the hotel owner cut them down because they were obstructing his view.”
From Slate ● Sep. 8, 2026
France, Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Egypt, said on Monday they had discussed several measures against politicians and groups who were obstructing the election of a new president.
From Reuters ● Jul. 17, 2023
This was in response to claims that both North African countries were obstructing the repatriation of nationals found to be in France illegally.
From BBC ● Aug. 24, 2022
We knew our students’ growing needs were obstructing their success.
From Seattle Times ● Aug. 18, 2022
People's position is nothing to him; he treats ladies of the greatest importance as a policeman would women who were obstructing the way.
From Withered Leaves. Vol. I. (of III) A Novel by Rudolf von Gottschall
