Word
obstruct
Phoneticsob·struct, stress on the second syllable
US/əbˈstɹəkt/
UK/ɒbstɹˈʌkt/
Definition
v. to block a path or a view so that nothing can get through or be seen. You can also use it when someone tries to stop a process from moving forward.
v. to block or fill a passage or opening with obstacles; to impede the progress or view of something. Often used in legal or medical contexts to describe the prevention of normal movement or function.
Examples
“A fallen tree obstructs the main road.”
“The tall new building obstructs the sunlight that used to reach the small community garden.”
“The defense attorney was accused of attempting to obstruct the investigation by withholding key documents that were essential to the prosecution's case.”
Examples
simple
“A fallen tree obstructs the main road.”
contextual
“The tall new building obstructs the sunlight that used to reach the small community garden.”
complex
“The defense attorney was accused of attempting to obstruct the investigation by withholding key documents that were essential to the prosecution's case.”
Usage
The verb is transitive and requires a direct object.
Pitfall
The car obstructed to the traffic
The car obstructed the traffic
Obstruct is a transitive verb and does not take the preposition 'to' before its object.
Real-World Examples
“Journalists and other civil society actors also continue to be obstructed in their daily work.” “The park service says Trump's arch would obstruct historic sites.” Etymology
From Latin past participle stem obstruct- (“blocked up”), from verb obstruere, from ob (“against”) + struere (“pile up, build”).
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
VERB
NOUN
ADJECTIVE
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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