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

• balk
• bar
• block
• chain
• clog
• cramp
• crimp
• deterrent
• drag
• embarrassment
• encumbrance
• fetter
• handicap
• hindrance
• holdback
• hurdle
• impediment
• inhibition
• interference
• let
• manacle
• obstacle
• shackles
• stop
• stumbling block
• trammel

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

The obstruction took place to protest the EU-Mercosur trade agreement, along with other domestic issues. —Sam Meredith, CNBC, 23 Dec. 2024

What To Know Lamond, 48, was found guilty of obstruction of justice and making false statements on Monday following a non-jury trial before U.S. District Judge Amy Berman Jackson. —Josh Hammer, Newsweek, 23 Dec. 2024

Ford noted that both Iran and Russia, the two open adversaries of the U.S. who were involved in Syria, appear to have pulled back, removing potential obstructions to American input. —David D. Kirkpatrick, The New Yorker, 18 Dec. 2024

Cline pleaded guilty to two charges of obstruction of justice in 2017 after lying to officials during the investigation but did not receive any jail time. —Ryan Murphy, The Indianapolis Star, 18 Dec. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1533, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Kids 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