verb
obstruct
uhb-STRUHKT
verb
1
To block a path or passage so that things can't get through.
"A parked van was obstructing the entrance to the garage."
2
To get in the way of a process or plan, making it harder to proceed.
"The senator was accused of trying to obstruct the investigation."
How to Use Obstruct
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishTo block something, whether it's a physical path or a process.
Common pairings
obstruct justice
obstruct the view
obstruct traffic
Word Forms
obstructed past tense, obstructs singular
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A parked van was _____ the entrance to the garage.
Etymology
From Latin obstruere, "to build up against, block", from ob- ("against") plus struere ("to pile up, build").