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Distract vs Obstruct - What's the difference?

distract | obstruct |

As verbs the difference between distract and obstruct

is that distract is to divert the attention of while obstruct is to block or fill (a passage) with obstacles or an obstacle. See Synonyms at block.

As an adjective distract

is separated; drawn asunder.

distract

English

Verb

(en verb)
  • To divert the attention of.
  • * {{quote-news, year=2011, date=December 10, author=David Ornstein, work=BBC Sport
  • , title= Arsenal 1-0 Everton , passage=While Gunners boss Arsene Wenger had warned his players against letting the pre-match festivities distract them from the task at hand, they clearly struggled for fluency early on.}}
  • * {{quote-magazine, date=2013-06-29, volume=407, issue=8842, page=55, magazine=(The Economist)
  • , title= Travels and travails , passage=Even without hovering drones, a lurking assassin, a thumping score and a denouement, the real-life story of Edward Snowden, a rogue spy on the run, could be straight out of the cinema. But, as with Hollywood, the subplots and exotic locations may distract from the real message: America’s discomfort and its foes’ glee.}}
    '

    Adjective

    (-)
  • (obsolete) Separated; drawn asunder.
  • (obsolete) Insane; mad.
  • (Drayton)

    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