obstructing
/əbˈstrʌktɪŋ/ · ob·struc·ting
verb
- To block or fill a passage with obstacles or an obstacle. The fallen tree was obstructing the road, forcing drivers to take a detour.
- To impede, retard, or interfere with; to hinder. Constant interruptions were obstructing her ability to finish the report on time.
- To get in the way of something so as to hide it from sight. He was obstructing the view of the painting by standing directly in front of it.
noun
- The act of blocking or hindering. The obstructing of the pipeline caused a temporary water shortage.
- A state of being in the way, especially to conceal something. The obstructing of the evidence was considered a serious offense.
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Antonyms
Did you know? The phrase “obstructing justice” entered legal jargon in the 19th century and has since become a common charge in high‑profile court cases.