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 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
Two years later, the former commander of the jail and two other staff members were charged with misconduct in office, obstruction and neglecting an inmate.
—Vanessa Swales, Journal Sentinel, 7 June 2024
The startling find came to light after a person navigating a houseboat last week bumped into an obstruction in the river and damaged the vessel, said Ken Casparis, a spokesman for the county.
—Ishani Desai, Sacramento Bee, 3 June 2024
The upcoming closure marks the latest in a string of recent roadway obstructions in the Phoenix metro, with several closures occurring within the past month.
—Coleby Phillips, The Arizona Republic, 31 May 2024
See all Example Sentences for obstruction 
Annabella Rosciglione, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 11 June 2024
Two years later, the former commander of the jail and two other staff members were charged with misconduct in office, obstruction and neglecting an inmate.
—Vanessa Swales, Journal Sentinel, 7 June 2024
The startling find came to light after a person navigating a houseboat last week bumped into an obstruction in the river and damaged the vessel, said Ken Casparis, a spokesman for the county.
—Ishani Desai, Sacramento Bee, 3 June 2024
The upcoming closure marks the latest in a string of recent roadway obstructions in the Phoenix metro, with several closures occurring within the past month.
—Coleby Phillips, The Arizona Republic, 31 May 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 16 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
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share