Obstruct, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Obstructed; p. pr. & vb. n. Obstructing.]
Etymology: [L. obstructus, p.p. of obstruere to build up before or against, to obstruct; ob (see Ob-) + struere to pile up. See Structure.]
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. 'T is the obstructed paths of sound shall clear. Pope.
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.
Syn. -- To bar; barricade; stop; arrest; check; interrupt; clog; choke; impede; retard; embarrass; oppose.
Shades of meaning
To obstruct is literally to build up against; the road is obstructed by fallen trees; the passage of liquid through a tube is obstructed by solid deposits. We may hinder one's advance by following and clinging to him; we obstruct his course by standing in his way or putting a barrier across his path. Anything that makes one's progress slower, whether from within or from without, impedes; an obstruction is always from without. To arrest is to cause to stop suddenly; obstructing the way may have the effect of arresting progress. Compare hinder; impediment.