Meaning
To obstruct means to block, hinder, or prevent something from happening or moving forward. It often refers to physically blocking a path or figuratively hindering progress.
Grammar and Usage
- Part of speech: Verb
- Transitivity: Transitive (needs an object)
Typical structures:
- obstruct + noun → The parked car obstructed the road.
- obstruct sb/sth from doing sth → He obstructed the team from completing the task.
Common Phrases
- obstruct justice – to interfere with the legal process or investigation
- obstruct the view – to block sight
- obstruct progress – to slow or stop advancement
Collocations
- verb + obstruct: deliberately obstruct, unlawfully obstruct
- noun + obstruct: obstruct justice, obstruct traffic
- adverb + obstruct: completely obstruct, partially obstruct
Examples
- The fallen tree obstructed the road, causing a traffic jam.
- His negative attitude obstructed the progress of the project.
- Tall buildings can obstruct the view of the mountains.
- Protesters tried to obstruct the police from entering the building.
- She was charged with attempting to obstruct justice.
- Heavy rain obstructed our visibility on the highway.
- The new regulations may obstruct small businesses from growing.
Synonyms or Related
- Block
- Hinder
- Impede
- Interfere with
- Prevent
