[syn: obstruct, block]
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:
Obstruct \Ob*struct"\, 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]
WordNet (r) 3.0 (2006):
obstruct
v 1: hinder or prevent the progress or accomplishment of; "His
brother blocked him at every turn" [syn: obstruct,
blockade, block, hinder, stymie, stymy,
embarrass]
2: block passage through; "obstruct the path" [syn: obstruct,
obturate, impede, occlude, jam, block, close up]
[ant: disengage, free]
3: shut out from view or get in the way so as to hide from
sight; "The thick curtain blocked the action on the stage";
"The trees obstruct my view of the mountains" [syn:
obstruct, block]