Main Entry: ob·struct

Pronunciation: \əb-ˈstrəkt, äb-\

Function: transitive verb

Etymology: Latin obstructus, past participle of obstruere, from ob- in the way + struere to build, heap up — more at ob-, strew

Date: 1590

1 : to block or close up by an obstacle
2 : to hinder from passage, action, or operation : impede
3 : to cut off from sight <a wall obstructs the view>

synonyms see hinder

— ob·struc·tive \-ˈstrək-tiv\ adjective or noun

— ob·struc·tive·ness noun

— ob·struc·tor \-tər\ noun