obstruct
To block or get in the way of something.
To obstruct means to block or get in the way of something, preventing it from moving forward or working properly. When a fallen tree obstructs a hiking trail, hikers can't get through until someone clears it away. When someone parks their car in front of a fire hydrant, they're obstructing access to equipment firefighters might need in an emergency.
Obstruction can be physical, or it can involve blocking progress or plans. A student might obstruct a group project by refusing to share necessary information. In sports, a player commits obstruction when they illegally block an opponent's movement, like a soccer player who steps in front of an opponent without trying to play the ball.
The word carries a sense of interference: something that should flow or proceed smoothly gets stopped or slowed down. Traffic gets obstructed by construction. Justice gets obstructed when someone destroys evidence or lies to investigators. A view gets obstructed when someone tall sits directly in front of you at the movies.
When you obstruct something, you actively prevent it from happening the way it should, creating a barrier that stops normal movement or progress.