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

They were both booked into jail on multiple felony counts of obstruction of justice in connection with the death of Johnson, according to police. —Latoya Gayle, People.com, 18 Feb. 2025

Julie Chrisley was also convicted on a count of obstruction of justice. —Phil Helsel, NBC News, 8 Feb. 2025

The 11th Circuit Court of Appeals is expected to grant the request, effectively ending the case against Nauta and De Oliveira, who otherwise might have still faced potential obstruction charges if the court had overturned Cannon’s dismissal. —Dave Goldiner, New York Daily News, 29 Jan. 2025

Democrats have flipped overnight from retreat to obstruction after Trump fired government watchdogs and froze (some) government spending. —Axios, 28 Jan. 2025

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