obstruct
verb
äb- \
Definition of obstruct
1 : to block or close up by an obstacle A piece of food obstructed his airway. The road was obstructed by a fallen tree.
2 : to hinder from passage, action, or operation : impede Constant interruptions obstruct our progress. was charged with obstructing justice by lying to investigators
3 : to cut off from sight A wall obstructs the view.
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Other words from obstruct
äb-
\
adjective or noun
äb-
\
noun
Synonyms & Antonyms for obstruct
Synonyms
clog, cramp, embarrass, encumber, fetter, hamper, handcuff, handicap, hinder, hobble, hog-tie, hold back, hold up, impede, inhibit, interfere (with), manacle, shackle, stymie, tie up, trammel
Antonyms
aid, assist, facilitate, help
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Examples of obstruct in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
The jury found 29-year-old Jonathan Gapp guilty as party to the crime of first-degree reckless homicide and resisting or obstructing an officer. — Steven Martinez, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, "Jury finds Dousman man guilty of homicide for role in girlfriend's fatal overdose," 13 July 2018 He is expected to face charges of domestic assault and resisting and obstructing a police officer. — Ann Zaniewski, Detroit Free Press, "Oakland County deputy suffers facial gash in tussle with suspect," 4 July 2018 Vince Vaughn‘s mugshot has been released after the actor was arrested in the early hours of Sunday morning for a DUI and resisting, delaying or obstructing an officer. — Melody Chiu, ajc, "Vince Vaughn grins in mugshot released after DUI arrest in California," 11 June 2018 Vince Vaughn‘s mugshot has been released after the actor was arrested in the early hours of Sunday morning for a DUI and resisting, delaying or obstructing an officer. — Melody Chiu, PEOPLE.com, "Vince Vaughn Grins in Mugshot Released After DUI Arrest in California," 10 June 2018 Patmon was charged with violating probation and obstructing a law enforcement officer after being relesed from the hospital, Fox 5 reported. — Robert Gearty, Fox News, "Georgia cop fired after hitting suspect fleeing on foot with his patrol car," 3 June 2018 Police said Brown resisted or obstructed an officer, which is a misdemeanor, according to the report. — Emanuella Grinberg, CNN, "Officers involved in arrest of NBA's Sterling Brown disciplined, police chief says," 23 May 2018 The Milwaukee Police Department on Wednesday released a video of Milwaukee Bucks rookie guard Sterling Brown being arrested in January for the misdemeanor charge of resisting or obstructing an officer. — Michael Mccann, SI.com, "Examining Sterling Brown's Legal Options After Milwaukee Arrest Video Release," 23 May 2018 The Shaker Heights man, 32, was charged with resisting arrest and obstructing official business. — Andy Attina / Cleveland.com, cleveland.com, "Man arrested when officers arrive to arrest his brother: Richmond Heights Police Blotter," 9 May 2018These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'obstruct.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
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More Definitions for obstruct
obstruct
verb
English Language Learners Definition of obstruct
: to block (something, such as a pipe or street) so that things cannot move through easily
: to slow or block the movement, progress, or action of (something or someone)
: to be in front of (something) : to make (something) difficult to see
See the full definition for obstruct in the English Language Learners Dictionary
obstruct
verb
\
Kids Definition of obstruct
1 : to block or make passage through difficult A fallen tree is obstructing the road.
2 : to be or come in the way of : hinder She was uncooperative and obstructed the investigation.
3 : to make (something) difficult to see The new building obstructs their view of the ocean.
obstruct
transitive verb
\
Medical Definition of obstruct
: to block or close up by an obstacle veins obstructed by clots
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