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View synonyms for obstruct

obstruct

[ uhb-struhkt ]

verb (used with object)

  1. to block or close up with an obstacle; make difficult to pass:

    Debris obstructed the road.

    Synonyms: clog, choke, stop, arrest, retard, slow, check, prevent, impede, hinder

    Antonyms: further, encourage

  2. to interrupt, hinder, or oppose the passage, progress, course, etc., of.
  3. to block from sight; to be in the way of (a view, passage, etc.).


obstruct

/ əbˈstrʌkt /

verb

  1. to block (a road, passageway, etc) with an obstacle
  2. to make (progress or activity) difficult
  3. to impede or block a clear view of


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Derived Forms

  • obˈstructively, adverb
  • obˈstructor, noun
  • obˈstructiveness, noun
  • obˈstructive, adjectivenoun

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Other Words From

  • ob·struct·ed·ly adverb
  • ob·struct·er ob·struc·tor noun
  • ob·struct·ing·ly adverb
  • ob·struc·tive adjective
  • pre·ob·struct verb (used with object)
  • un·ob·struct·ed adjective

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Word History and Origins

Origin of obstruct1

First recorded in 1605–15, obstruct is from the Latin word obstructus (past participle of obstruere “to build or pile up in the way, bar”); ob-, construct

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Word History and Origins

Origin of obstruct1

C17: Latin obstructus built against, past participle of obstruere, from ob- against + struere to build

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Example Sentences

He gave money to a group seeking to obstruct equality for gay people.

The first filibuster took place in 1837 and then became an increasingly employed strategy to obstruct the passage of legislation.

Merkley said that the power of minority to obstruct judicial nominations had really been ended in that standoff.

It's not much different from what they've done, or haven't done, all along: obstruct Obama.

And the very political forces that you are trying to end run would rise up and obstruct at every turn.

Dalton was passed without difficulty, and beyond we stopped again to cut wires and to obstruct the track.

All B—— turned out, but did not obstruct my view, for I was at the large first-floor window and not ten yards away.

Some qualities favour, others obstruct the realisation of a first conception.

The bib must not extend too far into the lead pipe or it will obstruct the flow of water.

The branch should not extend into the run of pipe enough to obstruct the bore of it.

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