obstruct

ob·struct

transitive verb \əb-ˈstrəkt, äb-\

Definition of OBSTRUCT

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>

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

— ob·struc·tive·ness noun

— ob·struc·tor \-tər\ noun

Examples of OBSTRUCT

1. A large tree obstructed the road.
2. A piece of food obstructed his airway and caused him to stop breathing.
3. She was charged with obstructing police.
4. She was charged with obstructing justice by lying to investigators.

Origin of OBSTRUCT

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

First Known Use: 1590

Related to OBSTRUCT

Synonyms

clog, cramp, embarrass, encumber, fetter, handcuff, handicap, hinder, hobble, hog-tie, hold back, hold up, impede, inhibit, interfere (with), manacle, hamper, shackle, short-circuit, stymie, tie up, trammel

Antonyms

aid, assist, facilitate, help

Related Words

balk, check, constrain, curb, rein, restrain; bind, chain, halter, leash, tether, tie; arrest, brake, delay, retain, retard; barricade, block, blockade, roadblock; bog (down), mire; choke, smother, stifle, strangle, suffocate; baffle, foil, frustrate, stump, thwart; derail, disrupt, sabotage; muzzle, repress, suppress; confine, hedge (in), hem (in)

Near Antonyms

clear, make way, open, unclog, unplug, unstop; free, liberate, release, untie; loosen, smooth; encourage, further, promote

See Synonym Discussion at hinder

Rhymes with OBSTRUCT

abduct, adduct, bile duct, conduct, construct, deduct, eruct, induct, instruct, reluct, subduct

ob·struct

transitive verb \əb-ˈstrəkt, äb-\   (Medical Dictionary)

Medical Definition of OBSTRUCT

: to block or close up by an obstacle <veins obstructed by clots>