Obstruct — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

verb /əb-ˈstrəkt/ ob·struct

Meaning & Definition of Obstruct

Obstruct (verb)

  1. to block or close up by an obstacle
  2. to hinder from passage, action, or operation, impede
  3. to cut off from sight

Obstruct (verb) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. to create difficulty for the work or activity of

    "this would go much faster if you would stop obstructing me with your constant interruptions"

    similar: clog, cramp, embarrass, encumber, fetter, hamper, handcuff, handicap, hinder, hobble, hog-tie, hold back, hold up, impede, inhibit, interfere (with), manacle, shackle, short-circuit, stymie, tie up, trammel, cramp one's style, give a hard time
    related: balk, check, constrain, curb, rein, restrain, bind, chain, halter, leash, tether, tie, arrest, brake, delay, retain, retard, barricade, block, blockade, roadblock, bog (down), mire, choke, smother, stifle, strangle, suffocate, baffle, foil, frustrate, stump, thwart, derail, disrupt, sabotage, muzzle, repress, suppress, confine, hedge (in), hem (in)
    opposite: aid, assist, facilitate, help
    near: clear, make way, open, unclog, unplug, unstop, free, liberate, release, untie, loosen, smooth, encourage, further, promote

  2. to prevent passage through by filling with something

    "at the moment the city's only tunnel between downtown and the airport is obstructed by an overturned tanker truck"

    similar: block, choke, clog, clot, congest, dam, gum (up), jam, occlude, plug (up), stop (up), stuff
    related: bung, cork, spile, stopper, stopple, fill, gridlock, pack, fur, silt, flood, glut, inundate, overwhelm, swamp
    opposite: clear, free, open (up), unblock, unclog, unplug, unstop
    near: excavate, hollow (out), scoop (out), empty, lighten

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Obstruct

The most common words with a similar meaning to Obstruct:

clog, cramp, embarrass, encumber, fetter, hamper, handcuff, handicap, hinder, hobble, hog-tie, hold back, hold up, impede, inhibit, interfere (with), manacle, shackle, short-circuit, stymie, tie up, trammel, block, choke, clot, congest, dam, gum (up), jam, occlude, plug (up), stop (up), stuff, cramp one's style, give a hard time

Antonyms & Opposite Words for Obstruct

Words with the opposite meaning of Obstruct:

aid, assist, facilitate, help, clear, free, open (up), unblock, unclog, unplug, unstop

Related Words for Obstruct

balk, check, constrain, curb, rein, restrain, bind, chain, halter, leash, tether, tie, arrest, brake, delay, retain, retard, barricade, blockade, roadblock, bog (down), mire, smother, stifle, strangle, suffocate, baffle, foil, frustrate, stump

Near Antonyms of Obstruct

make way, open, liberate, release, untie, loosen, smooth, encourage, further, promote, excavate, hollow (out), scoop (out), empty, lighten

Word Forms of Obstruct

Inflections: obstructed, obstructing, obstructs

Derived words: obstructive (adjective or noun), obstructiveness (noun), obstructor (noun)

Origin & Etymology of Obstruct

Latin obstructus, past participle of obstruere, from ob- in the way + struere to build, heap up ob-, strew

First known use: 1590

Frequently Asked Questions about Obstruct

What does "Obstruct" mean?

"Obstruct" means to block or close up by an obstacle. As a verb, it is defined as: to block or close up by an obstacle. It has 2 distinct senses.

What is another word for "Obstruct"?

Other words for "Obstruct" include clog, cramp, embarrass, encumber, fetter, hamper, handcuff and handicap. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Obstruct" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Obstruct"?

There are 90 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Obstruct". Common alternatives include clog, cramp, embarrass, encumber, fetter, hamper, handcuff, handicap, hinder and hobble.

What is the opposite of "Obstruct"?

Antonyms of "Obstruct" include aid, assist, facilitate, help, clear, free, open (up) and unblock. Near antonyms include make way, open, liberate and release.

How do you use "Obstruct" in a sentence?

Examples of "Obstruct" in a sentence: "this would go much faster if you would stop obstructing me with your constant interruptions"; "at the moment the city's only tunnel between downtown and the airport is obstructed by an overturned tanker truck".

Is "Obstruct" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Obstruct" is a verb.

How do you pronounce "Obstruct"?

"Obstruct" is pronounced /əb-ˈstrəkt/ and divided into syllables as ob·struct.

What is the origin of the word "Obstruct"?

"Obstruct" comes from Latin obstructus, past participle of obstruere, from ob- in the way + struere to build, heap up ob-, strew. First known use: 1590.