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.

The supporters’ strategy was visual blocking: Whenever a protester lifted a sign critical of the Chinese government, supporters deployed oversize banners to obstruct the cameras.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 27, 2026

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 person notices the camera at Guthrie’s front porch and tries to cover the lens with their hand before scouting around the patio and yard area apparently for something to obstruct the camera.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 17, 2026

Unlike me, Mom has glossy red hair that bounces around and might obstruct America’s view of her small freckled face.

From "When You Reach Me" by Rebecca Stead

Vocabulary lists containing obstruct

The Declaration of Independence

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List 1

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Essential Academic Vocabulary for High School Students, List 3

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