obstruct
Pronunciation: /əbˈstrʌkt/
verb
- block (an opening, path, road, etc.); be or get in the way of: she was obstructing the entrance
- prevent or hinder (movement or someone or something in motion): they had to alter the course of the stream and obstruct the natural flow of the water
- deliberately make (something) difficult: fears that the regime would obstruct the distribution of food
- Law commit the offence of intentionally hindering (a police officer): the appellants were arrested, and later convicted of obstructing the police
- (in various sports) impede (a player in the opposing team) in a manner which constitutes an offence: an indirect free kick is awarded for intentionally obstructing an opponent
Origin:
late 16th century: from Latin obstruct- 'blocked up', from the verb obstruere, from ob- 'against' + struere 'build, pile up'