Definitions

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.

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

MSF slammed the move, which takes effect on March 1, as a "pretext" to obstruct aid.

From Barron's • Feb. 2, 2026

Nor do they park their cars to obstruct law-enforcement operations or gather outside hotels in the wee hours to chant and bang drums because those hotels rented rooms to ICE agents.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 21, 2026

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

From "Killers of the Flower Moon" by David Grann

Vocabulary lists containing obstruct

The Declaration of Independence

Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!

List 1

Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!

Essential Academic Vocabulary for High School Students, List 3

Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!