English▸ verb [with object] block (an opening, path, road, etc.); be or get in the way of:
she was obstructing the entrance.
▪ 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.
▪ deliberately make (something) difficult:
fears that the regime would obstruct the distribution of food.
▪ Law 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.
– ORIGIN late 16th century: from Latin obstruct- ‘blocked up’, from the verb obstruere, from ob- ‘against’ + struere ‘build, pile up’.