obstruct

v. t. [ imp. & p. p. Obstructed; p. pr. & vb. n. Obstructing. ] [ L. obstructus, p. p. of obstruere to build up before or against, to obstruct; ob (see Ob-) + struere to pile up. See Structure. ] [ 1913 Webster ]

1. To block up; to stop up or close, as a way or passage; to place an obstacle in, or fill with obstacles or impediments that prevent or hinder passing; as, to obstruct a street; to obstruct the channels of the body. [ 1913 Webster ]

'T is the obstructed paths of sound shall clear. Pope. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. To be, or come, in the way of; to hinder from passing; to stop; to impede; to retard; as, the bar in the harbor obstructs the passage of ships; clouds obstruct the light of the sun; unwise rules obstruct legislation. “Th' impatience of obstructed love.” Johnson. [ 1913 Webster ]

Syn. -- To bar; barricade; stop; arrest; check; interrupt; clog; choke; impede; retard; embarrass; oppose. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. One who obstructs or hinders. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. [ L. obstructio. ] 1. The act of obstructing, or state of being obstructed. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. That which obstructs or impedes; an obstacle; an impediment; a hindrance. [ 1913 Webster ]

A popular assembly free from obstruction. Swift. [ 1913 Webster ]

3. The condition of having the natural powers obstructed in their usual course; the arrest of the vital functions; death. [ Poetic ] [ 1913 Webster ]

To die, and go we know not where,
To lie in cold obstruction, and to rot. Shak. [ 1913 Webster ]

Syn. -- Obstacle; bar; barrier; impediment; clog; check; hindrance. -- Obstruction, Obstacle. The difference between these words is that indicated by their etymology; an obstacle is something standing in the way; an obstruction is something put in the way. Obstacle implies more fixedness and is the stronger word. We remove obstructions; we surmount obstacles. [ 1913 Webster ]

Disparity in age seems a greater obstacle to an intimate friendship than inequality of fortune. Collier. [ 1913 Webster ]

The king expected to meet with all the obstructions and difficulties his enraged enemies could lay in his way. Clarendon. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. The act or the policy of obstructing progress. Lond. Lit. World. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. One who deliberately hinders progress; one who obstructs business, as in a legislative body. -- a. Of or pertaining to obstructionists; causing obstruction; as, obstructionist tactics. [ Recent ] [ 1913 Webster ]

a. [ Cf. F. obstrictif. ] Tending to obstruct; presenting obstacles; hindering; causing impediment. -- Ob*struct"ive*ly, adv. [1913 Webster]