obstruct
verb
ob·struct
əb-ˈstrəkt 
äb-
obstructed; obstructing; obstructs
1
: to block or close up by an obstacle
A piece of food obstructed his airway.
The road was obstructed by a fallen tree.
2
: to hinder from passage, action, or operation : impede
Constant interruptions obstruct our progress.
was charged with obstructing justice by lying to investigators
3
: to cut off from sight
A wall obstructs the view.
obstructiveness
noun
Examples of obstruct in a Sentence
A large tree obstructed the road.
A piece of food obstructed his airway and caused him to stop breathing.
She was charged with obstructing police.
She was charged with obstructing justice by lying to investigators.
Recent Examples on the Web
Don't tail large vehicles closely - Trucks or buses can kick up a water spray that obstructs visibility.
—
Ca Weather Bot, Sacramento Bee, 14 Mar. 2025
The status of the third remained unknown, but snow obstructed a full view of the nest.
—Amanda Kooser, Forbes, 14 Mar. 2025
Keep clear of puddles - Driving through puddles or low rainwater areas can cause vehicles to hydroplane or skid out of control
Don't tail large vehicles closely - Trucks or buses can kick up a water spray that obstructs visibility.
—Kansas City Star Weather Bot, Kansas City Star, 14 Mar. 2025
The protesters are charged with trespassing, obstructing governmental administration and resisting arrest.
—Michael Dorgan, Fox News, 13 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for obstruct
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Ca Weather Bot, Sacramento Bee, 14 Mar. 2025
The status of the third remained unknown, but snow obstructed a full view of the nest.
—Amanda Kooser, Forbes, 14 Mar. 2025
Keep clear of puddles - Driving through puddles or low rainwater areas can cause vehicles to hydroplane or skid out of control
Don't tail large vehicles closely - Trucks or buses can kick up a water spray that obstructs visibility.
—Kansas City Star Weather Bot, Kansas City Star, 14 Mar. 2025
The protesters are charged with trespassing, obstructing governmental administration and resisting arrest.
—Michael Dorgan, Fox News, 13 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for obstruct
Cite this Entry
“Obstruct.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/obstruct. Accessed 19 Mar. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
obstruct
verb
ob·struct
əb-ˈstrəkt
äb-
1
: to close up by an obstacle
a fallen tree obstructed the roadway
2
: to be or get in the way of : hinder
lying to the police obstructs justice
Medical Definition
obstruct
transitive verb
ob·struct
əb-ˈstrəkt, äb-
: to block or close up by an obstacle
veins obstructed by clots
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