obstruct

verb

ob·struct | \ əb-ˈstrəkt

, äb-\

obstructed; obstructing; obstructs

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.

Other Words from obstruct Synonyms & Antonyms Choose the Right Synonym More Example Sentences Learn More about obstruct

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Other Words from obstruct

obstructive \ əb-ˈstrək-tiv

, äb- \ adjective or noun

obstructiveness noun

obstructor \ əb-ˈstrək-tər

, äb- \ noun

Choose the Right Synonym for obstruct

hinder, impede, obstruct, block mean to interfere with the activity or progress of. hinder stresses causing harmful or annoying delay or interference with progress. rain hindered the climb impede implies making forward progress difficult by clogging, hampering, or fettering. tight clothing that impedes movement obstruct implies interfering with something in motion or in progress by the sometimes intentional placing of obstacles in the way. the view was obstructed by billboards block implies complete obstruction to passage or progress. a landslide blocked the road

Examples of obstruct in a Sentence

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

Recent Examples on the Web

In the seven-count indictment, Mr. Stone was also charged with obstructing the congressional inquiry and trying to persuade a witness to lie to a House committee. — Shelby Holliday, WSJ, "Judge Orders Roger Stone to Avoid Further Comment on Pending Trial," 21 Feb. 2019 They were charged with obstructing and crowding, according to Capitol Police officials. — Gregg Re, Fox News, "Kavanaugh accuser Christine Ford opens door to testifying next week," 20 Sep. 2018 The mother of a person of interest in the disappearance of a west Georgia woman has been charged with obstructing officers, an investigator said. — Steve Burns, ajc, "Mother of key figure in missing Georgia woman’s case is charged," 10 July 2018 The 15-year-old was also charged with obstructing police for running from them while trying to resist arrest, a misdemeanor charge, police said. — Megan Jones, Aurora Beacon-News, "Aurora teens charged with breaking into vehicles at Fox Valley Mall," 10 July 2018 Aberdeen Police report: Daron Terrell Holland, 28, of the first block of Aberdeen Avenue, was charged Sunday with obstructing and hindering police and fourth-degree burglary. — Erika Butler, The Aegis, "Harford County police blotter," 10 May 2018 With dust in the air and thick brush obstructing officers' view, Houk escaped on foot, leaving his two children in the vehicle. — Melissa Etehad, latimes.com, "Suspect in motor home chase shaved his beard before attempting to flee on a train, authorities say," 4 May 2018 He was charged with obstructing a public passage, but prosecutors added assault charges. — Kevin Litten, NOLA.com, "Frank Scurlock, former New Orleans mayoral candidate, pleads no contest in public masturbation case," 23 Apr. 2018 Salman was charged with providing material support to the Islamic State, a foreign terror organization, and with obstructing justice. — Doug Stanglin, USA TODAY, "Widow of Pulse nightclub gunman found innocent of helping plan the attack," 30 Mar. 2018

These 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.