obstruct
B2Formal to neutral; common in legal, administrative, and general descriptive contexts.
Definition
Meaning
To block or get in the way of something, making movement or progress difficult or impossible.
To deliberately hinder or delay a legal, political, or administrative process.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Implies a physical or figurative barrier that impedes flow, progress, or action. Often carries a nuance of intentional interference.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in core meaning or usage.
Connotations
In both varieties, often implies deliberate hindrance, especially in legal/administrative contexts.
Frequency
Slightly more common in formal writing and news media than in casual speech in both regions.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
transitive: [subject] obstructs [object]passive: [object] is/was obstructed by [agent]Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “to obstruct justice (legal term)”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
"Regulatory hurdles can obstruct the launch of new products."
Academic
"The author argues that systemic biases obstruct equitable access to education."
Everyday
"A fallen tree is obstructing the lane up ahead."
Technical
"The surgeon must ensure that no blood clots obstruct the coronary artery."
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- The lorry had broken down and was obstructing the carriageway.
- He was charged with attempting to obstruct the course of justice.
American English
- The protesters were arrested for obstructing the highway.
- The senator was accused of obstructing the committee's investigation.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- A big box obstructs the door.
- The accident obstructed traffic for two hours.
- Please don't obstruct the emergency exit.
- The government was accused of obstructing the journalist's investigation.
- Fatty deposits can obstruct blood flow in the arteries.
- The filibuster is a parliamentary tactic used to obstruct legislation.
- Her deep-seated prejudice obstructed any objective analysis of the situation.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of an OBSTRUCTION on a road – it's something that STOPS or BLOCKS your way. OB + STRUCT (like structure) – a structure put in your way.
Conceptual Metaphor
PROGRESS IS A PATH/JOURNEY; TO OBSTRUCT IS TO BLOCK THE PATH.
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid translating as 'конструировать' (to construct), which is a false friend.
- Do not overuse 'мешать' for all contexts; 'obstruct' is more specific and often formal.
Common Mistakes
- Incorrect: 'The bad weather obstructed us to leave.' Correct: 'The bad weather obstructed our departure.' or 'prevented us from leaving.'
- Using 'obstruct' for abstract, minor annoyances where 'bother' or 'disturb' is more appropriate.
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'obstruct' LEAST appropriate?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
The noun form is 'obstruction' (e.g., 'The car caused an obstruction.').
Not always. An object can obstruct a path unintentionally (e.g., a fallen tree). However, in legal/administrative contexts, it typically implies deliberate intent.
'Obstruct' means to create a difficulty or barrier that slows or blocks, but doesn't always mean complete prevention. 'Prevent' means to stop something from happening entirely.
Yes, commonly with abstract nouns like 'progress', 'justice', 'investigation', 'view', 'process'.