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
Julie Chrisley was also charged with wire fraud and obstruction of justice.
—
Emily St. Martin, Los Angeles Times, 12 June 2026
Fans were arrested on suspicion of assault on a police officer, criminal possession of a weapon (a knife), reckless endangerment, criminal mischief, disorderly conduct, resisting arrest, obstruction of governmental administration, and trademark counterfeiting, the NYPD said.
—Aaron Katersky, ABC News, 11 June 2026
As water flows through the pipes past the obstruction, air pockets can form, creating a gurgling noise.
—Jessica Safavimehr, Southern Living, 10 June 2026
To have the best chance of viewing the planetary alignment, find a spot free of light pollution and a view of the horizon without obstructions like trees or tall buildings.
—Eric Lagatta, USA Today, 8 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for obstruction
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Emily St. Martin, Los Angeles Times, 12 June 2026
Fans were arrested on suspicion of assault on a police officer, criminal possession of a weapon (a knife), reckless endangerment, criminal mischief, disorderly conduct, resisting arrest, obstruction of governmental administration, and trademark counterfeiting, the NYPD said.
—Aaron Katersky, ABC News, 11 June 2026
As water flows through the pipes past the obstruction, air pockets can form, creating a gurgling noise.
—Jessica Safavimehr, Southern Living, 10 June 2026
To have the best chance of viewing the planetary alignment, find a spot free of light pollution and a view of the horizon without obstructions like trees or tall buildings.
—Eric Lagatta, USA Today, 8 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for obstruction
Cite this Entry
“Obstruction.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/obstruction. Accessed 16 Jun. 2026.
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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