Obstructed: meaning, definitions and examples

🚧

Add to dictionary

obstructed

[əbˈstrʌktɪd ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Verb}

in traffic

Block (an opening, path, road, etc.); be or get in the way of.

Synonyms

block, hinder, impede, obstruct.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
obstructed	Describes something that is blocked or closed off, often used in physical contexts or situations where something cannot proceed as intended. The road was obstructed by a fallen tree Her view of the stage was obstructed by a tall person sitting in front of her
block	Can refer to physically stopping movement or progress, but also used metaphorically to describe hindering actions or ideas. They used barricades to block the entrance She was blocked from joining the team because she missed the registration deadline
impede	Indicates that something is slowing down the progress, typically used in more formal contexts. Heavy traffic impeded their journey Poor management can impede the growth of a company
hinder	Suggests causing delay or difficulty in completing a task or progressing, often used to describe less severe or partial obstacles. The weather hindered their travel plans His speech impediment hindered him from speaking clearly
obstruct	Focuses on creating a barrier or obstacle, can be physical or metaphorical, often used in legal or official contexts. A huge rock obstructed the river's flow He was charged with obstructing justice by hiding evidence

Examples of usage

The fallen tree obstructed the road.
Traffic cones obstructed the entrance to the construction site.

^{Context #2 | Verb}

in view

To block or fill (a place) with obstacles or an obstacle.

Synonyms

block, conceal, hide, obscure.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
obstructed	Used when something is physically in the way, making it difficult or impossible to pass or see through. Often refers to a path, road, or view being blocked. The road was obstructed by fallen trees after the storm Her view of the stage was obstructed by a tall person sitting in front of her
block	Generally used when something is purposefully or unintentionally placed to stop movement or access. Can refer to physical items or more abstract concepts like progress. A large truck was parked to block the entrance The project was blocked due to lack of funding
conceal	Used when something is intentionally kept out of sight or hidden from view. Often implies an effort to prevent discovery. He tried to conceal the broken vase from his parents The criminal concealed the stolen money in a secret compartment
hide	Refers to keeping something or someone out of sight, often for protection or secrecy. Can be used in a broader range of situations compared to 'conceal'. She decided to hide her diary under her bed The cat hid behind the couch during the thunderstorm
obscure	Used when something makes it hard to see, understand, or recognize. Can apply to both physical visibility and clarity of information. Fog can obscure your vision while driving The details of the report were obscured by technical jargon

Examples of usage

The tall building obstructed our view of the ocean.
The bushes obstructed the view of the garden.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word 'obstructed' comes from the Latin 'obstruere', which means 'to block up or stop up'.
It is formed by the prefix 'ob-' meaning 'against' and the root 'struere' which means 'to build'.
The term has been used in English since the late 15th century.

Science

In medicine, when blood vessels are obstructed, it can lead to health issues such as hypertension or thrombosis.
Obstruction in the respiratory system can cause breathing difficulties, typically needing medical attention.
In physics, an obstructed path can refer to light or sound being blocked, altering how we perceive them.

Literature

In stories, characters may face obstacles that obstruct their goals, creating tension and conflict.
Shakespeare used obstacles as a plot device, forcing characters to confront challenges like in 'Romeo and Juliet'.
Modern novels often explore themes of personal growth through overcoming emotional or physical obstructions.

Pop Culture

Many action movies feature scenes where protagonists face obstructed paths, intensifying suspense and excitement.
Reality TV often showcases interpersonal conflicts where communication is obstructed, leading to drama.
Video games frequently use obstructed pathways as challenges that players must solve to advance their journey.

Psychology

Emotional obstructions, like fear or anxiety, can hinder a person's ability to communicate effectively.
Cognitive obstruction can occur when thoughts are interrupted, making it difficult to focus or make decisions.
Therapies often aim to help individuals navigate and remove psychological obstructions to improve well-being.

Translations

Translations of the word "obstructed" in other languages:

🇵🇹 obstruído

🇮🇳 अवरोधित

🇩🇪 behindert

🇮🇩 terhalang

🇺🇦 перешкоджений

🇵🇱 zablokowany

🇯🇵 妨げられた (さまたげられた)

🇫🇷 obstrué

🇪🇸 obstruido

🇹🇷 engellenmiş

🇰🇷 방해된

🇸🇦 معاق

🇨🇿 zablokovaný

🇸🇰 blokovaný

🇨🇳 阻塞的

🇸🇮 oviran

🇮🇸 hindraður

🇰🇿 бөгелген

🇬🇪 დაბრკოლებული

🇦🇿 manə olan

🇲🇽 obstruido

Word Frequency Rank

At position #12,666, this word is part of sophisticated English vocabulary. It's useful for academic or professional contexts where precise language is needed.

...
12663 degrading
12664 scissors
12665 yolk
12666 obstructed
12667 pulsed
12668 creditable
12669 unloaded
...