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Webster 1913 Edition

Obstruct

Ob-struct′

,
Verb.
T.
[
imp. & p. p.
Obstructed
;
p. pr. & vb. n.
Obstructing
.]
[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.

Webster 1828 Edition

Obstruct

OBSTRUCT'

,
Verb.
T.
[L. obstruo; ob and struo, to set.]
1.
To block up; to stop up or close; as a way or passage; to fill with obstacles or impediments that prevent passing; as, to obstruct a road, highway or channel; to obstruct the canals or fine vessels of the body.
2.
To stop; to impede; to hinder in passing; as, the bar at the mouth of the river obstructs the entrance of ships; clouds obstruct the light of the sun.
3.
To retard; to interrupt; to render slow. Progress is often obstructed by difficulties, though not entirely stopped.

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