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 is also an offence to disturb, damage or destroy a breeding site or resting place of an otter or obstruct their access, whether or not an otter is present.

From BBC • Apr. 18, 2026

“LASD did not obstruct the investigation,” county attorneys argued in court filings.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 1, 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

Institutions—government, religion, school administrations, the music industry, Microsoft—were roadblocks, put on earth to obstruct and torment him, invade his privacy and limit his freedom of movement on the Internet.

From "Geeks: How Two Lost Boys Rode the Internet Out of Idaho" by Jon Katz

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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