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Impair vs Obstruct - What's the difference?

impair | obstruct |

As verbs the difference between impair and obstruct

is that impair is to weaken; to affect negatively; to have a diminishing effect on while obstruct is to block or fill (a passage) with obstacles or an obstacle see synonyms at block.

As an adjective impair

is (obsolete) not fit or appropriate.

impair

English

Alternative forms

* (l) (qualifier)

Verb

(en verb)
  • To weaken; to affect negatively; to have a diminishing effect on.
  • (archaic) To grow worse; to deteriorate.
  • (Milton)

    Derived terms

    * (l)

    Adjective

    (en adjective)
  • (obsolete) Not fit or appropriate.
  • 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