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   obstruct

   /əbˈstrʌkt/

   verb

   • 1. block (an opening, path, road, etc.); be or get in the way of: "she was obstructing the entrance" Similar blockblock upclogclog upget/stand in the way ofcut offshut offjambung upgum upchokebarricadebardam upinformal:gunge updated:cumbertechnical:occludeobturateOpposite clear
   • ▪ prevent or hinder (movement or someone or something in motion): "they had to alter the course of the stream and obstruct the natural flow of the water" Similar hold upbring to a standstillstophaltblock
   • ▪ deliberately make (something) difficult: "fears that the regime would obstruct the distribution of food" Similar hold upbring to a standstillstophaltblock
   • ▪ commit the offence of intentionally hindering (a police officer): "the appellants were arrested, and later convicted of obstructing the police"
   • ▪ (in various sports) impede (a player in the opposing team) in a manner which constitutes an offence: "an indirect free kick is awarded for intentionally obstructing an opponent" Similar impedehinderinterfere withhamperblockinterrupthold uphold backstand in the way offrustratethwartbalkinhibithamstringsabotageencumberslowslow downretarddelaystonewallforestallstallarrestcheckstophaltstayderailrestrictlimitcurbput a brake onbridlefettershackleinformal:stymieborkrare:trammelOpposite facilitatehelpfurther

   Word Origin late 16th century: from Latin obstruct- ‘blocked up’, from the verb obstruere, from ob- ‘against’ + struere ‘build, pile up’.

   Derivatives

   • 1. obstructor noun

   Scrabble Points: 12

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   • B

     3

   • S

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   • T

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   • R

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   • U

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   • C

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   • T

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