obstructed

/əbˈstrʌkt/ (bre, ipa) · [əbstrˈʌktɪd] /əbˈstrʌkt/ (ame, ipa)

obstructed — verb

  • obstructedpresent simple I / you / we / they
  • obstructeds3rd person singular
  • obstructeding-ing form
  • obstructededpast simple

1. to put something in the way of a road, doorway, pipe, or view so that nothing an

1.動詞及物C1
釋義

to put something in the way of a road, doorway, pipe, or view so that nothing and nobody can move through or see past it

例句

A fallen pine tree obstructed the narrow road into Eitan's village all weekend.

transitive: [object] obstructed [path/road]

Karim parked his van in front of the bakery, obstructing the fire exit by mistake.

present participle in a result clause

同義詞
  • block

    more everyday; same meaning but less formal

  • clog

    specifically of pipes, drains, or arteries filling with material

  • bar

    stronger; suggests preventing entry with a barrier

反義詞
  • clear

    to remove what is in the way

  • unblock

    specifically of pipes, drains, or routes

文法句型

obstruct + [noun: road/view/passage]

用法筆記

Subject is typically a physical object or substance (a tree, a vehicle, debris, snow); object is typically a route, opening, pipe, or line of sight. Distinguish from sense 2: this sense is about a thing taking up space, not a person deliberately interfering.

常見錯誤

❌The traffic obstructed me to go to school.
✅The traffic obstructed my way to school.
💡'obstruct' takes a noun object (the path or person), not a to-infinitive of the action.
❌A truck was obstructing on the road.
✅A truck was obstructing the road.
💡'obstruct' is transitive; do not drop the object.

2. to deliberately make it harder for an official process, investigation, or planne

2.動詞及物C1
釋義

to deliberately make it harder for an official process, investigation, or planned activity to go forward, often by hiding information or refusing to cooperate

例句

The minister was accused of obstructing the inquiry by deleting key emails from Christopher's team.

obstruct + [investigation/inquiry]

Sirin's lawyer warned the witness that lying in court would obstruct justice and lead to serious charges.

fixed phrase: obstruct justice

同義詞
  • hinder

    weaker; suggests slowing rather than fully blocking

  • impede

    formal; same intentional sense, slightly less legal-sounding

  • thwart

    stronger; suggests successfully defeating someone's plan

反義詞
  • facilitate

    to actively help a process along

  • assist

    general help with a task or process

文法句型

obstruct + [noun: investigation/justice/process]

用法筆記

Subject is typically a person, group, or institution acting with intent; object is typically an investigation, vote, plan, or process. Distinguish from sense 1: here the blocking is deliberate human interference, not a physical obstacle. Often appears in legal or political contexts; the fixed phrase 'obstruct justice' is especially common.

常見錯誤

❌He obstructed to give the documents.
✅He refused to give the documents, obstructing the investigation.
💡'obstruct' does not take a to-infinitive; it takes the noun being blocked.
❌They obstructed against the new law.
✅They obstructed the passage of the new law.
💡'obstruct' is directly transitive; no preposition.