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
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
Please keep in mind, however, that light pollution and tall obstructions will significantly lower your numbers.
—
Joe Rao, Space.com, 7 Dec. 2025
Ingesting larger amounts of plastic can lead to an intestinal obstruction or blockage, which can be life-threatening.
—Rey Covarrubias Jr, AZCentral.com, 6 Dec. 2025
Menendez, 71, was convicted in July 2024 on 16 counts of bribery, extortion, conspiracy and obstruction of justice.
—Joe Brandt, CBS News, 5 Dec. 2025
The former lawmaker was found guilty in July 2024 of 16 counts of bribery, extortion, conspiracy and obstruction of justice.
—Michael Dorgan, FOXNews.com, 5 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for obstruction
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Joe Rao, Space.com, 7 Dec. 2025
Ingesting larger amounts of plastic can lead to an intestinal obstruction or blockage, which can be life-threatening.
—Rey Covarrubias Jr, AZCentral.com, 6 Dec. 2025
Menendez, 71, was convicted in July 2024 on 16 counts of bribery, extortion, conspiracy and obstruction of justice.
—Joe Brandt, CBS News, 5 Dec. 2025
The former lawmaker was found guilty in July 2024 of 16 counts of bribery, extortion, conspiracy and obstruction of justice.
—Michael Dorgan, FOXNews.com, 5 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for obstruction
Cite this Entry
“Obstruction.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/obstruction. Accessed 10 Dec. 2025.
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
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