obstruct

[uhb-struhkt] / əbˈstrʌkt /

VERB

prevent, restrict

Synonyms

STRONGEST

block curb cut off hamper hinder impede inhibit interfere obscure retard stall stonewall stymie thwart

STRONG

arrest bar barricade check choke clog close congest crab fill frustrate hamstring hide interrupt mask occlude plug restrain sandbag shield stop stopper terminate throttle trammel

WEAK

dead-end drag one's feet foul up get in the way hang up hold up monkey with shut off slow down weigh down

Antonyms

STRONGEST

advance aid allow assist encourage facilitate forward further help permit promote push

STRONG

begin continue free lay bare let go liberate open release reveal start support unblock uncover unmask unplug unstop

WEAK

abet boost clear

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

It applies to the strait and adjacent waters to "secure transit passage and to deter attempts to close, obstruct or otherwise interfere with international navigation through the Strait of Hormuz."

From Barron's • Apr. 3, 2026

But because he allegedly tried to obstruct the investigation, he faces a separate set of charges on much firmer legal ground.

From Slate • Mar. 11, 2026

The man scouts around the patio and yard area apparently for something to obstruct the camera before settling on some greenery found in the yard.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 19, 2026

"No responsible government anywhere in the world can allow people to live directly under high-tension cables or obstruct vital waterways," the governor's special adviser on urban development, Olajide Abiodun Babatunde, said in a statement.

From BBC • Feb. 2, 2026

But again he didn’t comply, evidently determined to extort money and obstruct justice.

From "Killers of the Flower Moon" by David Grann

obstruct

Example Sentences

Related Words