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Showing results for obstruct. Search instead for obstru.
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.

“LASD did not obstruct the investigation,” county attorneys argued in court filings.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 1, 2026

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

In a February 2025 memo, Attorney General Pam Bondi directed U.S. attorneys to “aggressively” investigate those who obstruct or attack law enforcement officers.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 9, 2026

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

From Barron's • Feb. 2, 2026

Once there appeared a strange optical effect: when he stood between me and the flame he did not obstruct it, for I could see its ghostly flicker all the same.

From "Dracula" by Bram Stoker

From Roget's 21st Century Thesaurus, Third Edition Copyright © 2013 by the Philip Lief Group.