WordValeobstruct
to block or get in the way of
In more detail
1. (verb) to block a path, road, or passage so that nothing can move through
2. (verb) to prevent someone from doing something or to make something difficult to do
3. (verb) to block the view or to stand in the way so that someone cannot see
Examples
- 1. A fallen tree obstructed the road after the storm.
- 2. The new regulations obstruct small businesses from operating freely.
- 3. The tall building obstructs the view of the ocean from our house.
How to use obstruct
Obstruct is a formal verb used when something or someone prevents movement, progress, or vision by physically blocking or creating barriers. It is slightly more formal than block and often appears in legal, official, or technical contexts. The phrase 'obstruct justice' is particularly common in legal language.
Common phrases
- obstruct the view
- obstruct the road
- obstruct justice
- obstruct access
- obstruct progress
Synonyms
block · hinder · impede · prevent · hamper
Opposites
clear · facilitate · enable
Word family
obstruction (noun) · obstructive (adjective) · obstructively (adverb)
A common mistake
Learners sometimes confuse obstruct with abstract (to remove or extract), though these are distinct words with different meanings and contexts.
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