obstruction
noun
ob·struc·tion
əb-ˈstrək-shən 
äb-
1
a
: the state of being obstructed
especially
: a condition of being clogged or blocked
an intestinal obstruction
She died from an obstruction of the airway.
b
: an act of obstructing
Passage of the law was delayed by the congressman's obstruction.
2
: something that obstructs
removing obstructions that block the path
a view without obstruction
Synonyms
Examples of obstruction in a Sentence
They are removing trees and other obstructions from the path.
cases of intestinal obstruction in children
She died from an obstruction of the airway.
He is on trial for the obstruction of a criminal investigation.
Recent Examples on the Web
In the other trial scheduled Monday, Box faces charges of obstruction of an official proceeding and two counts of civil disorder, all felonies.
—
Tribune News Service, The Mercury News, 17 June 2024
He is also charged with drinking while driving and misdemeanors in connection with misconduct and obstruction.
—Landon Mion, Fox News, 15 June 2024
The report also called for the city to change its permitting process to allow protesters to hold spontaneous demonstrations without breaking laws, such as prohibiting obstruction of a thoroughfare.
—Perry Vandell, The Arizona Republic, 14 June 2024
The case could also affect former President Donald Trump since he has been charged with two counts under the same obstruction statute.
—Annabella Rosciglione, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 11 June 2024
See all Example Sentences for obstruction 
Tribune News Service, The Mercury News, 17 June 2024
He is also charged with drinking while driving and misdemeanors in connection with misconduct and obstruction.
—Landon Mion, Fox News, 15 June 2024
The report also called for the city to change its permitting process to allow protesters to hold spontaneous demonstrations without breaking laws, such as prohibiting obstruction of a thoroughfare.
—Perry Vandell, The Arizona Republic, 14 June 2024
The case could also affect former President Donald Trump since he has been charged with two counts under the same obstruction statute.
—Annabella Rosciglione, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 11 June 2024
See all Example Sentences for obstruction
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'obstruction.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near obstruction
Cite this Entry
“Obstruction.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/obstruction. Accessed 30 Jun. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
obstruction
noun
ob·struc·tion
əb-ˈstrək-shən
äb-
1
: an act of obstructing : the state of being obstructed
2
: something that gets in the way : obstacle
Medical Definition
obstruction
noun
ob·struc·tion
əb-ˈstrək-shən, äb-
1
a
: an act of obstructing
b
: a condition of being clogged or blocked
intestinal obstruction
2
: something that obstructs
dislodge an airway obstruction
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