What does obstruct mean?
To obstruct something is to make it difficult or impossible for someone to move through, communicate, or make progress. The word can describe a physical obstacle, such as a vehicle blocking a road, or an abstract barrier, such as regulations hindering communication. It is often stronger and more formal than simply 'to block', suggesting deliberate interference, an unavoidable impediment, or interference with an activity. The verb is widely used in legal, journalistic, and technical writing, including the established phrase 'obstruct justice'. Related forms include the noun 'obstruction', meaning something that blocks or hinders, and the adjective 'obstructive', meaning deliberately troublesome or difficult to deal with. Although the word can imply intentional interference, it is also used for circumstances in which progress is unintentionally slowed or prevented.
verbTo prevent someone from moving, passing, or proceeding by placing an obstacle in the way; to block a route or passage. It can also mean to hinder progress, communication, or an activity.
- To block a passage, route, entrance, or view with an obstacle.
- To hinder or impede progress, communication, or an activity.
- To interfere with someone's movement or ability to act.
"Fallen branches obstructed the road and delayed the morning traffic."
"The parked van obstructed the entrance to the hospital."
"Technical difficulties obstructed the progress of the research."
The word began with the idea of building something in front of a route: Latin obstruere literally meant to build against or in front of, before its meaning broadened to blocking and hindering.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does obstruct come from?
The English word comes from Latin obstruere, formed from ob- 'in front of' and struere 'to build', literally meaning 'to build in front of'. In Latin it came to mean 'to block up' or 'to barricade'. English later extended the sense to hindering movement, progress, or communication, and the word has cognates involving the same Latin root, including construct, instruct, and destruction.
Related word forms
How obstruct is actually used
The word is formal and neutral in tone. It is common in legal and technical contexts, as in 'obstruct justice' and 'obstruct the flow of traffic'; in everyday speech, 'block' or 'get in the way' may sound more natural.
Easily confused with obstruct
To obstruct is to block or hinder something, whereas to construct is to build or create it.