obstructs; obstructed; obstructing
somewhat formal
1
: to block (something, such as a pipe or street) so that things cannot move through easily
A large tree obstructed the road.
A piece of food obstructed his airway and caused him to stop breathing.
2
: to slow or block the movement, progress, or action of (something or someone)
Several issues have obstructed [=hindered, impeded] efforts to bring peace to the region.
She was charged with obstructing police/investigators.
She was charged with obstructing justice by lying to investigators.
3
: to be in front of (something) : to make (something) difficult to see
His neighbors built a wall that obstructed [=blocked] his view of the ocean.
Cite this Entry
“Obstruct.” Merriam-Webster.com Simple Definition, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/simple/obstruct. Accessed 14 Apr. 2026.
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