Obstruct: meaning, definitions and examples

Used when something is deliberately or accidentally put in the way to prevent movement, progress, or sight.

• Fallen trees obstructed the road after the storm.
• The tall building obstructed their view of the sunset.

Implies causing delays or difficulties in doing something, often used in a general sense.

• The lack of resources hindered the project.
• Her shyness hindered her from making new friends.

Often used in more formal or technical contexts to describe something that slows down or prevents progress.

• The new regulations may impede economic growth.
• Poor infrastructure impedes development in rural areas.

Generally used when something is completely stopping movement or passage.

• The car blocked the driveway.
• She tried to go online, but the website was blocked.

Used when something is interfering with progress or making it difficult to complete a task.

• The heavy rain hampered the rescue efforts.
• Her broken arm hampered her ability to work.

Used when something is preventing movement or progress, typically physically or figuratively. Often implies intentional interference.

• The fallen tree obstructed the road.
• The new policy may obstruct economic growth.

Commonly used when something is physically stopping movement or covering an area, but also applies to figurative prevention.

• A large truck was blocking the entrance.
• They tried to block the proposal in the meeting.

Used when something is filled or blocked with material that restricts flow or movement, typically in the context of pipes or arteries.

• The sink was clogged with grease.
• Too much paperwork can clog the system.

Used when access or entry is being completely prevented, often with a sense of legal or formal restriction.

• The court decision barred him from entering the building.
• The door was barred, leaving no way out.

Often used when airflow or liquid flow is being restricted. Can also be used figuratively to describe a situation where something prevents proper function.

• The pipe was choked with debris.
• Her nervous performance choked under the pressure.

Used when something is stuck or becomes immovable due to congestion or a mechanical issue. Has a casual tone.

• The printer jammed again.
• The traffic jam made us late.

Use this word when you want to describe physically stopping something from moving or progressing. It's often used in technical, legal, or medical contexts.

• The fallen tree obstructed the road, making it impassable.
• The politician was accused of obstructing justice.

This word is common in everyday language to mean stopping or preventing movement or progress. It can be used in both physical and metaphorical contexts.

• A large truck is blocking the entrance to the parking lot.
• The new regulations might block our way to international business expansion.

Clog is typically used to describe something that is filled or choked up, especially with dirt, debris, or some kind of obstruction in a tight or narrow space.

• The drain was clogged with hair.
• My pores are clogged, I need a good facial cleanse.

Occlude is often used in scientific, medical, and technical contexts to describe the blocking or closing of a passage, particularly in medical terminology.

• The dentist discovered that one of my arteries was occluded.
• An eclipse occurs when the moon occludes the sun.

This word is often used in formal contexts to mean slowing down or preventing progress or movement. It has a slightly negative connotation.

• Heavy traffic impeded our journey to the airport.
• Lack of funding might impede the research project's progress.