obstruction

noun

ob·​struc·​tion əb-ˈstrək-shən How to pronounce obstruction (audio)
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

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
These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
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 

Word History

First Known Use

1533, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of obstruction was in 1533

Dictionary Entries Near obstruction

Cite this Entry

“Obstruction.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/obstruction. Accessed 17 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

obstruction

noun
ob·​struc·​tion əb-ˈstrək-shən How to pronounce obstruction (audio)
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- How to pronounce obstruction (audio)
1
a
: an act of obstructing
b
: a condition of being clogged or blocked
intestinal obstruction
2
: something that obstructs
dislodge an airway obstruction

More from Merriam-Webster on obstruction

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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