obstruct
/əbˈstrʌkt/
VERB
1. To block or fill a passage with obstacles
To block, close, or fill a passage, entrance, or route so that movement through it becomes difficult or impossible.
1.1. Blocking a physical passage or entrance
Placing objects or barriers in a doorway, road, passage, or other route to prevent or restrict movement.
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Antonyms
Examples
- Please do not obstruct the fire exit with any objects, it needs to remain clear at all times.
- It is illegal to obstruct the entrance to a fire exit in case of emergencies.
- Please do not obstruct the doorway, we need to keep it clear for people to enter and exit freely.
Related Words
1.2. Filling or clogging a channel or opening
Filling a pipe, drain, channel, or other passage with material that prevents or restricts the normal flow of liquid or other substances.
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Antonyms
Examples
- Fallen leaves can obstruct the drainage system and cause flooding.
Related Words
VERB
2. To impede, retard, or interfere with
To hinder, delay, restrict, or interfere with the progress, development, or completion of something.
2.1. Hindering progress or development
Making an activity, process, plan, or development more difficult or slower to complete.
Synonyms
Antonyms
- advance
- facilitate
- promote
- further
- boost
- support
- help
- assist
Examples
- Poor communication can obstruct the progress of an important project.
- The politician was accused of trying to obstruct the investigation by withholding crucial evidence.
Related Words
2.2. Preventing or delaying an investigation
Intentionally interfering with an inquiry, legal process, or official investigation by withholding information, concealing evidence, or preventing investigators from carrying out their work.
Synonyms
Antonyms
- assist
- aid
- facilitate
- cooperate
- support
Examples
- The politician was accused of trying to obstruct the investigation by withholding crucial evidence.
Related Words
2.3. Restricting or preventing movement or action
Restraining, confining, or limiting someone's ability to move, act, or proceed freely.
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Antonyms
Examples
- Heavy restrictions can obstruct employees from carrying out their responsibilities effectively.
Related Words
VERB
3. To get in the way of so as to hide from sight
To stand or be positioned in front of something, preventing it from being seen clearly.
3.1. Blocking someone's view
Being positioned between an observer and an object, person, or scene so that it becomes difficult or impossible to see.
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Antonyms
Examples
- A large tree can obstruct the view of the mountains from the house.