Ob-strūct', v. t.
v. t. [imp. & p. p. OBSTRUCTED; p. pr. & vb. n. OBSTRUCTING.] [Lat. obstruere, obstructum, from prefix ob and struere, to pile up; Fr. obstruer, Sp. obstruir, It. ostruire.]
Sense 1. To block up; to stop up or close, as a way or passage; to fill with obstacles or impediments that prevent passing; as, to obstruct a road, highway, or channel; to obstruct the canals or fine vessels of the body.
’Tis he the obstructed paths of sound shall clear. Pope.
Sense 2. To hinder from passing; to stop; to impede; as, the bar at the mouth of the river obstructs the entrance of ships; clouds obstruct the light of the sun.
Sense 3. To render slow; to retard; to impede; as, to obstruct progress.
Synonyms—To bar; barricade; stop; arrest; check; interrupt; clog; choke; impede; retard; embarrass; oppose.