Meaning of Obstructing: Definition, Examples & Legal Meaning

Obstructing means blocking, stopping, delaying, or making it difficult for someone or something to move forward or perform a task.

The meaning can change depending on how the word is used. In legal contexts, obstructing often refers to intentionally interfering with a person’s lawful actions, a government process, a police investigation, or the administration of justice.

Simple Meaning of Obstructing

In simple English, obstructing = getting in the way of something.

Examples

• A parked car is obstructing the road.
• Someone who blocks a doorway is obstructing the entrance.
• Destroying evidence may be considered obstructing an investigation.
• Interfering with a police officer’s lawful duties may lead to an obstruction charge, depending on state law.

What Does Obstructing Mean in Law?

In criminal law, obstructing generally means intentionally interfering with a lawful government activity or legal process.

The exact definition depends on the applicable law. For example, obstruction offenses can involve interfering with:

• A police officer
• An investigation
• An arrest
• A court proceeding
• A government official
• Evidence or witnesses
• The administration of justice

Not every act of disagreement or refusal automatically constitutes obstruction. The specific statute and circumstances matter.

Obstructing a Police Officer

One common use of the term is obstructing a police officer.

This generally refers to intentionally interfering with an officer while the officer is performing lawful duties.

Examples can include:

• Physically preventing an officer from making an arrest
• Blocking an officer from accessing a location
• Interfering with an investigation
• Providing certain false information when the applicable law prohibits it

However, the precise requirements vary considerably between states.

Obstructing Justice

Obstructing justice generally means interfering with the legal process or administration of justice.

Examples can include:

• Destroying evidence
• Tampering with evidence
• Intimidating a witness
• Attempting to influence a witness unlawfully
• Interfering with an investigation

In the United States, federal obstruction offenses can arise under several different statutes, depending on the conduct involved.

Is Obstructing a Crime?

It can be.

Whether obstructing someone or something is a crime depends on the circumstances and the applicable law.

For example, simply standing in someone’s way might be an ordinary dispute. But intentionally interfering with a police officer performing lawful duties may constitute an obstruction offense under a particular state’s law.

The potential penalty can range from a misdemeanor to a serious felony depending on the offense.

Obstructing vs. Resisting Arrest

These terms are related but are not always the same offense.

Obstructing generally involves interfering with an officer’s duties or another legal process.

Resisting arrest generally involves using force, threats, or other prohibited conduct to resist an arrest.

The definitions and differences depend on state law.

Synonyms for Obstructing

Common synonyms include:

• Blocking
• Preventing
• Interfering
• Hindering
• Impeding
• Delaying
• Disrupting
• Stopping
• Restricting

Examples in Sentences

• “The fallen tree was obstructing the road.”
• “The suspect was accused of obstructing the investigation.”
• “Police arrested him for allegedly obstructing an officer.”
• “The witness was accused of attempting to obstruct justice.”

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the simple meaning of obstructing?

It means blocking, interfering with, or making something difficult to do.

What does obstructing mean in criminal law?

It generally means intentionally interfering with a lawful investigation, police duty, court proceeding, or other government or legal process.

Is obstructing a criminal offense?

It can be, depending on the specific conduct and the law that applies.

What is an example of obstruction?

Intentionally interfering with a police officer who is lawfully performing official duties can be an example of obstruction, depending on the applicable state law.

Is obstructing the same as resisting arrest?

No. They can be separate offenses, although the same incident may involve both. The exact definitions depend on the jurisdiction.

Final Takeaway

Obstructing means blocking, hindering, delaying, or interfering with something. In a legal context, it often refers to intentionally interfering with a police officer, investigation, court proceeding, or other lawful government process.

Because obstruction laws differ by state, the exact meaning and penalties depend on the specific jurisdiction and statute involved.

This article provides general legal information and is not legal advice.