[Elamur Dictionary](https://md.dictionary.elamur.ai/free/en/) · [this page in HTML](https://dictionary.elamur.ai/free/en/english/obstruct/)

[dictionaries](https://md.dictionary.elamur.ai/free/en/) / [English](https://md.dictionary.elamur.ai/free/en/english/) / [O](https://md.dictionary.elamur.ai/free/en/english/o/) / obstruct

# obstruct

verb (obstruct, obstructs, obstructed, obstructing)

«obstruct» in the English dictionary: everyday — its meanings, how the lessons use it, and examples, each with its tree on Mova.

## Everyday

1. To block a road, path, pipe or opening so things cannot pass. [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/O/obstruct/#m1)
2. To block a view. [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/O/obstruct/#m2)
3. To try to stop something happening or to make it hard (obstruct the police). [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/O/obstruct/#m3)
4. (sport) To block another player unfairly. [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/O/obstruct/#m4)

### In the lessons

In safety: do not obstruct fire exits; never obstruct an ambulance. In science: a blocked pipe or artery is obstructed. In sport: a foul for obstructing a player. Phrases: obstruct the view, obstruct traffic, obstruct justice.

### Examples

- Don't leave bags where they obstruct the fire exit. [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/O/obstruct/#x1)
- A fallen tree obstructed the road. [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/O/obstruct/#x2)
- The tall man obstructed my view of the stage. [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/O/obstruct/#x3)
- Food can obstruct the airway, so chew well. [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/O/obstruct/#x4)
- He was penalised for obstructing another player. [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/O/obstruct/#x5)
- Parked cars must not obstruct the school gate. [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/O/obstruct/#x6)

### Note

Regular verb. Noun: obstruction (something that blocks); adjective: obstructive. Similar: block, hinder. Safety: fire exits and corridors must stay clear.

## On Mova

- [Trees and pragmatics of «obstruct» in the school dictionary](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/O/obstruct/): every meaning and example parsed by Mova, with its dependency tree and frames.
- [«obstruct» in the school dictionary](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/dictionaries/school/w/obstruct.html) on Mova free.