obstruct
Get in way
To obstruct is to block or get in the way of.
A fallen tree obstructs a road.
A player obstructs an opponent's movement.
The meaning extends to impeding progress or function: bureaucratic red tape obstructed the project.
To obstruct justice is to interfere with legal proceedings—destroying evidence, intimidating witnesses, or lying to investigators.
Obstruct or delay
- blockSolid mass, or impede
- thwartPrevent success of
- hamperObstruct or clothes basket
- inhibitTo restrain or hinder
stymie · foil · restrain · encumber · derail · sabotage · disrupt · interfere
Obstacle blocking a path
- blockadeSealing off a place
- barrierObstruction preventing passage
- damWater-holding barrier
- wallVertical enclosing structure
fence · partition · roadblock · bottleneck · clog · jam · pileup · congestion
Delaying tactic through speech
- stonewallRefuse to cooperate
- vetoOfficial refusal to approve
- injunctionCourt-ordered behavioral requirement
- stayRemain in position
embargo · sanction · red tape · bureaucracy · regulation · litigation · subpoena · gag order
Improper interference with something
- perjuryCriminal courtroom dishonesty
- coverupDeliberate hiding of wrongdoing
- conspiracyClandestine coordinated scheming
- interferenceUnwelcome involvement in affairs
witness intimidation · bribery · corruption · misconduct · contempt · noncompliance · evasion · indictment
hinder
Obstruct or delay
inhibit · stymie · foil · restrain · encumber · derail · sabotage · disrupt · interfere · stonewall
barricade
Obstacle blocking a path
wall · fence · partition · roadblock · bottleneck · clog · jam · pileup · congestion · gridlock
filibuster
Delaying tactic through speech
- stonewallRefuse to cooperate
- vetoOfficial refusal to approve
- injunctionCourt-ordered behavioral requirement
stay · embargo · sanction · red tape · bureaucracy · regulation · litigation · subpoena · gag order · cease and desist
obscure
Unknown to most
shield · cover · eclipse · occlude · overshadow · block out · shroud · veil · cloud · dim
tampering
Improper interference with something
- perjuryCriminal courtroom dishonesty
- coverupDeliberate hiding of wrongdoing
- conspiracyClandestine coordinated scheming
interference · witness intimidation · bribery · corruption · misconduct · contempt · noncompliance · evasion · indictment · prosecution
- nasal obstructionBlocked breathing passage
- obstruction of justiceInterfering with legal processes
- intestinal obstructionBlocked digestive passage
- obstructed viewVision impeded by obstacle
- throat obstruction
- traffic obstructionBarrier blocking vehicle passage
obstruction, obstructed, obstructive, unobstructed, obstructing, obstructs, obstructions, obstructer, obstructively