obstruct

ob·struct

verb \əb-ˈstrəkt, äb-\

Definition of OBSTRUCT

transitive verb

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

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See Synonym Discussion at hinder

Rhymes with OBSTRUCT

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