Lessons
PocketSign
PocketSign

How to Sign "Obstruct"

To sign 'obstruct,' begin by holding both hands flat with your fingers kept together. Position your hands in front of your chest with your palms facing toward your body. Bring your hands together sharply, crossing them at the wrists or lower forearms to form a solid 'X' shape. The movement should be firm and have an abrupt stop, visually representing the act of putting up a physical barrier or blocking a path.

Examples Using "Obstruct" in a Sentence

1

The car obstructed the driveway.

Start by signing 'car' and 'driveway' to establish the context of the scene. Then, use the sign for 'obstruct' with a firm motion to clearly show that the vehicle is completely blocking the path.

2

Please don't obstruct the view.

Sign 'please' and 'view' (looking outward), followed by 'obstruct.' Make sure to shake your head slightly while signing 'obstruct' to convey the negative command of 'do not block.'

3

The large box obstructed the hallway.

After signing 'box' and 'hallway,' perform the sign for 'obstruct.' You can make the crossing motion slightly larger or more forceful to emphasize just how much space the big box is taking up.

How to Sign "Obstruct"
To sign 'obstruct,' begin by holding both hands flat with your fingers kept together. Position your hands in front of your chest with your palms facing toward your body. Bring your hands together sharply, crossing them at the wrists or lower forearms to form a solid 'X' shape. The movement should be firm and have an abrupt stop, visually representing the act of putting up a physical barrier or blocking a path.
Visual Logic(Etymology)
The sign for 'obstruct' is a wonderful example of an iconic sign in ASL, meaning it visually mimics the concept it represents. By bringing your hands together and crossing your wrists in front of your chest, you are creating a literal, physical 'block' or wall. This gesture naturally mirrors the real-world action of putting up a barrier to stop forward movement, perfectly capturing the essence of hindering or obstructing.
Signing Tips
When signing 'obstruct,' focus heavily on the crispness and tension of your movement. The sign needs a firm, abrupt stop the moment your wrists cross, which emphasizes the idea of a sudden barrier or blockage. Keep your hands flat and rigid rather than relaxed. Pair this manual sign with a serious or focused facial expression to match the intent of something being hindered, stopped, or getting in the way.
Common Mistakes
A frequent mistake beginners make is performing the crossing motion too softly or slowly, which makes the sign look like 'rest' rather than a firm barrier. Another common error is facing the palms outward instead of inward toward the body. Finally, make sure you are crossing at the wrists or forearms; simply touching your fingertips together will not convey the correct meaning of a solid obstruction.
Regional Variations
This sign is widely used and understood across the ASL community with minimal regional variation.
Examples Using "Obstruct" in a Sentence
1

The car obstructed the driveway.

Start by signing 'car' and 'driveway' to establish the context of the scene. Then, use the sign for 'obstruct' with a firm motion to clearly show that the vehicle is completely blocking the path.

2

Please don't obstruct the view.

Sign 'please' and 'view' (looking outward), followed by 'obstruct.' Make sure to shake your head slightly while signing 'obstruct' to convey the negative command of 'do not block.'

3

The large box obstructed the hallway.

After signing 'box' and 'hallway,' perform the sign for 'obstruct.' You can make the crossing motion slightly larger or more forceful to emphasize just how much space the big box is taking up.

Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use this sign for words like 'prevent' or 'block'?

Yes, absolutely! In ASL, this single sign is commonly used interchangeably for English concepts like 'obstruct,' 'prevent,' 'block,' and 'hinder.' The core visual meaning is about stopping something from happening or preventing passage.

Does it matter which arm is on the outside when I cross them?

Generally, your dominant arm will naturally cross on the outside, meaning it is closer to the person you are signing to. However, the sign is perfectly acceptable and easily understood regardless of which arm is in front.

How do I show that an obstruction is very severe or difficult to pass?

You can modify the sign's intensity to show severity. Make the crossing motion much more forceful, tense your arm muscles, and pair it with a strained or serious facial expression to emphasize a heavy blockage.

ASL is a beautiful, expressive language. Practice regularly and have fun!