obstruir

Senses

1. 1.

   to obstruct, to block

   to physically block a passage, path, or opening

2. 2.

   to hinder, to impede

   to prevent progress or make something difficult

3. 3.

   to clog

   to block a pipe, drain, or similar conduit

Examples

• "Um caminhão tombado obstruiu a rodovia por várias horas."

  An overturned truck blocked the highway for several hours.

• "Os manifestantes tentaram obstruir a votação no Congresso."

  The protesters tried to obstruct the vote in Congress.

• "Cabelos e resíduos de sabão obstruíram o ralo do banheiro."

  Hair and soap residue clogged the bathroom drain.

Usage

Formal register, commonly used in traffic reports, medical contexts (e.g., "obstruir as vias respiratórias"), and political discourse. Often collocates with "trânsito," "passagem," "via," and "artéria." The verb is regular in the third conjugation (-ir).