Basic Details
Word: Obstruct
Part of Speech: Verb
Meaning: To block a road, passage or view, or to get in the way of something so that it cannot happen easily.
Synonyms: block, hinder, impede, hamper
Antonyms: clear, help, assist
Word origin: Comes from Latin obstruere, 'to build against' or 'block'.
How to Spell Obstruct
Syllables: ob - struct
Tricky part: The word begins ob, not ab, and ends in struct with a c before the t.
Watch out for: abstruct, obstruck, obstrukt
Memory tip: Ob means against and struct means build, as in construct and structure. Something built against your path obstructs it.
Usage Examples
Example 1: Please do not park your bicycle where it will obstruct the gate.
Example 2: The new building will obstruct our view of the hills.
Example 3: A fallen branch obstructed the path to the well.
Fun Fact
In cricket, 'obstructing the field' is one of the ways a batter can be given out, if they deliberately block a fielder.
Practise the CREST Way
Word Connection
Choose the synonym of the word obstruct as used in the sentence:
Parked scooters obstruct the narrow lane outside the market every evening.
a) block
b) clear
c) light
d) widen
Show answer
a) block. The scooters stand in the way, and to block a lane is to do just that.
Mingle-Mangle
Unscramble the jumbled word in the sentence and choose the correct word:
Please do not let your bags urtcosbt the aisle of the bus.
a) instruct
b) obstruct
c) construct
d) abstract
Show answer
b) obstruct. Construct and instruct need an n, and abstract needs an a; the jumble has an o and a b.
Word Cookie
Find the misspelt word in the sentence:
A huge rock rolled down the slope during the night, and the police warned that it would obstruck traffic on the ghat road until a crane could lift it away.
a) crane
b) traffic
c) slope
d) obstruck
Show answer
d) obstruck. The ending is struct, the same as in construct, with a c before the final t.
Multiple Choice Questions
1. Which of these would obstruct a doorway?
a) a calendar
b) a heavy cupboard
c) a light switch
d) a doormat
Show answer
b) a heavy cupboard
2. If someone obstructs an investigation, they ____.
a) pay for it
b) write about it
c) make it harder
d) solve it
Show answer
c) make it harder
