obstruction

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noun ob·struc·tion \ əb-ˈstrək-shən , äb- \

Definition of obstruction

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

See obstruction defined for English-language learners

See obstruction defined for kids

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 of obstruction from the Web

The sensor should be installed in an area clear of obstructions and that is easily accessible.

— timothy dahl, Popular Mechanics, "Let a Snow Melting System Do the Work For You This Winter," 23 Aug. 2017
Alabama Attorney General Steve Marshall found the obstruction to be in violation of a new state law passed earlier this year that protects statues on public grounds that have been in place for at least 40 years.

— erin edgemon, AL.com, "Mobile man killed in Interstate 10 crash," 19 Aug. 2017
Attorney General Rodrigo Janot opened an investigation into Temer for bribery, obstruction of justice and being part of a criminal organization.

— peter prengaman, The Seattle Times, "Brazil’s Temer confident he can survive bribery charge vote," 1 Aug. 2017
Anything less would be complicity in what looks a heck of a lot like obstruction of justice.

— joseph gerth, The Courier-Journal, "Mitch McConnell should stop Donald Trump from scuttling Russia investigation | Joseph Gerth," 28 July 2017
According to news reports, Juan R. McCullum was charged with two counts of cyberstalking and Dorene Browne-Louis was charged two counts of obstruction of justice.

— paula rogo, Essence.com, "Former Congressional Staffers Charged With Exposing Nude Photos Of House Member," 15 July 2017
Browne-Louis is charged with two counts of obstruction.

— david kravets, Ars Technica, "Congresswoman’s iPhone contained nude images, and an aide put them online," 15 July 2017
The Russia saga experiences yet another twist: The Washington Post reports that special prosecutor Robert Mueller is now investigating Trump for possible obstruction of justice.

— maggie mallon, Glamour, "Trump and Russia: Every Absurd Development in the Never-Ending Saga," 14 July 2017
He was booked for disorderly conduct, obstruction, and public drunkenness, according to TMZ.

— gabe bergado, Teen Vogue, "Shia LaBeouf Apologizes Following Video Footage of Racially Charged Tirade After Being Arrested," 13 July 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'obstruction.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

First Known Use of obstruction

1533

obstruction Synonyms

OBSTRUCTION Defined for English Language Learners

obstruction

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noun

Definition of obstruction for English Language Learners

: something that blocks something else and makes it difficult for things to move through
: the condition of being blocked so that things cannot move through easily
: the act of making it difficult for something to happen or move forward