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
The Department of Justice indicted Trump with obstruction of an official proceeding, conspiracy to defraud the United States, conspiracy to knowingly make a false statement, and assisting, aiding or comforting an insurrection.
—
Danny Emerman, The Mercury News, 4 Nov. 2024
The how-to format defined her previous television series, Martha Stewart Living, which ran from 1993 up to her federal investigation and eventual indictment for obstruction of justice in 2004.
—Ryan Coleman, EW.com, 30 Oct. 2024
Johnston was arrested in June 2023 for felony obstruction of officers during civil disorder and several misdemeanors.
—Alejandra Gularte, Vulture, 28 Oct. 2024
If convicted on the obstruction charge, Clymer said Johnson could face six months to 2.5 years in the Department of Correction.
—Amy Lavalley, Chicago Tribune, 28 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for obstruction 
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Danny Emerman, The Mercury News, 4 Nov. 2024
The how-to format defined her previous television series, Martha Stewart Living, which ran from 1993 up to her federal investigation and eventual indictment for obstruction of justice in 2004.
—Ryan Coleman, EW.com, 30 Oct. 2024
Johnston was arrested in June 2023 for felony obstruction of officers during civil disorder and several misdemeanors.
—Alejandra Gularte, Vulture, 28 Oct. 2024
If convicted on the obstruction charge, Clymer said Johnson could face six months to 2.5 years in the Department of Correction.
—Amy Lavalley, Chicago Tribune, 28 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for obstruction
Dictionary Entries Near obstruction
Cite this Entry
“Obstruction.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/obstruction. Accessed 24 Nov. 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
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share