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Definition of obstructive

obstructive

/əbˈstrʌk.tɪv/
ob · struc · tive
Adverb:obstructively
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obstructive Lexical Profile

obstructive Game Scores & Validity

• adjective

1

Causing or tending to cause deliberate difficulties, delays, or interruptions to a process or activity.

Example

"The committee struggled to reach an agreement because of the obstructive behavior of a few stubborn members."

2

Physically blocking or restricting a passage, view, or the normal flow of air or fluid, especially within a bodily canal or airway.

Example

"The sleep specialist diagnosed him with obstructive sleep apnea after observing repeated airway blockages overnight."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
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• Rhymes for obstructive

• Nearby Words

obstruction
obstructionism
obstructionist
obstructive
obstructively
obstructiveness
obtain

Word Origin & Etymology

Formed in the mid-17th century from the Latin past participle stem 'obstruct-' (from 'obstruere', meaning 'to build against' or 'block up') combined with the adjective suffix '-ive'.

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Obstructive. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/obstructive
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