Obstruct: meaning, definitions and examples

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obstruct

 

[ əbˈstrʌkt ]

Verb
Context #1 | Verb

in law

To deliberately make it difficult for something to happen or be achieved, especially by creating problems or causing damage.

Synonyms

block, hamper, hinder, impede

Examples of usage

  • The construction work is obstructing the path to the park.
  • She accused the government of obstructing justice by withholding evidence.
Context #2 | Verb

general

To block or fill with obstacles or an obstacle.

Synonyms

bar, block, choke, clog, jam

Examples of usage

  • The fallen tree obstructed the road.
  • The view from the window was obstructed by a tall building.
Context #3 | Verb

medical

To block, clog, or fill with fluid or mucus.

Synonyms

block, clog, impede, occlude

Examples of usage

  • The tumor obstructed the airway.
  • A severe cold can obstruct the nasal passages.

Translations

Translations of the word "obstruct" in other languages:

🇵🇹 obstruir

🇮🇳 अवरोध करना

🇩🇪 behindern

🇮🇩 menghalangi

🇺🇦 перешкоджати

🇵🇱 przeszkadzać

🇯🇵 妨げる (さまたげる)

🇫🇷 obstruer

🇪🇸 obstruir

🇹🇷 engellemek

🇰🇷 막다

🇸🇦 يعوق

🇨🇿 překážet

🇸🇰 prekážať

🇨🇳 阻碍 (zǔ'ài)

🇸🇮 ovirati

🇮🇸 hindra

🇰🇿 кедергі жасау

🇬🇪 შევახეხვა

🇦🇿 maneə törətmək

🇲🇽 obstruir

Etymology

The word 'obstruct' originated from the Latin word 'obstruere', which means 'to build against'. Over the centuries, the meaning of the word has evolved to represent creating obstacles or barriers. The concept of obstruction has been prevalent in various fields, including law, construction, and medicine.

See also: obstructed, obstructing, obstruction, obstructionist, obstructions, obstructive, obstructor, unobstructed.

Word Frequency Rank

At position #12,825, this word is part of sophisticated English vocabulary. It's useful for academic or professional contexts where precise language is needed.