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.
—
Nc Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 30 Apr. 2025
However, cameras often fail in cases where the body is obstructed by blankets or clothes, or when lighting is inadequate.
—Aly Fathy, The Conversation, 30 Apr. 2025
The muscles of Hend’s heart were weak, while Teddy was born with aortic stenosis, a condition in which the aortic valve is obstructed.
—Sam Gillette, People.com, 30 Apr. 2025
Separately, the Justice Department is pursuing charges against a Milwaukee judge, accusing them of obstructing immigration agents.
—Mohammed Soliman, MSNBC Newsweek, 29 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for obstruct
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Nc Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 30 Apr. 2025
However, cameras often fail in cases where the body is obstructed by blankets or clothes, or when lighting is inadequate.
—Aly Fathy, The Conversation, 30 Apr. 2025
The muscles of Hend’s heart were weak, while Teddy was born with aortic stenosis, a condition in which the aortic valve is obstructed.
—Sam Gillette, People.com, 30 Apr. 2025
Separately, the Justice Department is pursuing charges against a Milwaukee judge, accusing them of obstructing immigration agents.
—Mohammed Soliman, MSNBC Newsweek, 29 Apr. 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 5 May. 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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