Both Uses of
obstruct
in
The Declaration of Independence
- He has endeavoured to prevent the population of these States; for that purpose obstructing the Laws for Naturalization of Foreigners; refusing to pass others to encourage their migrations hither, and raising the conditions of new Appropriations of Lands.†
obstructing = blocking or hindering
- He has obstructed the Administration of Justice, by...
*obstructed = blocked or hindered
Definition:
to block or hinder
The exact meaning of obstruct can depend upon its context. For example:
- "obstruct the path" -- block passage through
- "obstruct justice" -- hinder or prevent the progress or accomplishment of
- "obstruct her view" -- get in the way so as to hide from sight