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Obstruct vs Detain - What's the difference?

obstruct | detain | Related terms |

As verbs the difference between obstruct and detain

is that obstruct is to block or fill (a passage) with obstacles or an obstacle. See Synonyms at block while detain is keep (someone) from proceeding by holding them back or making claims on their attention.

obstruct

English

Verb

  • To block or fill (a passage) with obstacles or an obstacle. See Synonyms at block.
  • To impede, retard, or interfere with; hinder: obstructed my progress.
  • To get in the way of so as to hide from sight.

    • Synonyms

    * See also

    detain

    English

    Verb

    (en verb)
  • Keep (someone) from proceeding by holding them back or making claims on their attention.
  • To put under custody.
  • To keep back or from; to withhold.
  • * Jeremy Taylor
    • Detain not the wages of the hireling.