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📕 rednote ID(小红书号)：3881567312

Obstruct Definition, Examples & How to Use It (2 meaning)

Meaning 1：block physically (obstruct)

obstruct 🔊

/əbˈstrʌkt/

to block a path or view, so that it is difficult to pass through or see.

Obstruct road with traffic cone and sign blocking path

block physically 🔊

➕

/blɑːk ˈfɪzɪkli/

To place something in the way that prevents movement or blocks the line of sight.

📁 Category：Behaviors & Actions 🔖 Level：intermediate

📘 Details & Usage

📖 Root Explanation

Latin 'obstruere': 'ob-' (against) + 'struere' (to build) = build against, block.

💡 Mnemonic

Think of 'ob-' as 'obstacle' and 'struct' as 'structure' – an obstacle structure blocks the way.

📖 Example

The child used his toys to obstruct the doorway, preventing anyone from entering his ‘castle’. 🔊 The child used his toys to obstruct the doorway, preventing anyone from entering his ‘castle’.

🔗 Collocations

obstruct a road – block a road from passage

obstruct the view – block the line of sight

obstruct traffic – block the flow of vehicles

🔄 Synonyms

block (v.) – to prevent movement or access

hinder (v.) – to create difficulties that cause delay

impede (v.) – to delay or block progress

🚫 Antonyms

clear (v.) – to remove obstacles

unblock (v.) – to remove a blockage

facilitate (v.) – to make easy or smooth

🌱 Derivatives

obstruction (n.) – something that blocks

obstructive (adj.) – causing or tending to cause obstruction

obstructor (n.) – a person or thing that obstructs

📖 Cultural Story

Entered Middle English from Latin 'obstructus'. Used in legal contexts since the 16th century, e.g., 'obstruction of justice'.

Meaning 2：slow down deliberately (obstruct)

obstruct 🔊

/əbˈstrʌkt/

to deliberately slow down or stop something from happening, especially a legal process or investigation.

Obstruct legal process with folder blocking computer screen

slow down deliberately 🔊

➕

/sloʊ daʊn dɪˈlɪbərətli/

To intentionally create difficulties that delay or stop a legal or official procedure.

📁 Category：Laws & Regulations 🔖 Level：advanced

📘 Details & Usage

📖 Example

The factory manager was accused of trying to obstruct the investigation by hiding important documents. 🔊 The factory manager was accused of trying to obstruct the investigation by hiding important documents.

🔗 Collocations

obstruct justice – prevent the legal process from being carried out fairly

obstruct an investigation – delay or stop a formal inquiry

obstruct progress – stop or slow down advancement

🔄 Synonyms

hinder (v.) – to create difficulties that delay or stop

impede (v.) – to delay or block progress deliberately

thwart (v.) – to prevent someone from accomplishing something

🚫 Antonyms

facilitate (v.) – to make a process easier

expedite (v.) – to make a process happen faster

assist (v.) – to help a process move forward

🌱 Derivatives

obstruction (n.) – the act of obstructing

obstructive (adj.) – intended to cause obstruction

obstructor (n.) – a person who obstructs