Definition of obstruction
1a : 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
From the M-W Editors
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
-
That raised questions about whether Trump had committed obstruction of justice, a federal crime cited in the articles of impeachment drafted against Richard Nixon and Bill Clinton.
-
Fletcher, who had not previously been arrested in the case, was indicted on charges of obstruction of justice, intimidating or impeding a witness, and cruelty to a juvenile for unspecified acts against the girl.
-
Every time that he has been faced with a new story connected to the role of Russia in the election or about the allegations of obstruction of justice, President Trump has blasted the leakers.
-
When first using the grill after storage, check for animals nests or other obstructions in the grill.
-
In the end -- Knight and Krueger were charged with several counts of computer fraud and abuse, as well as obstruction of justice.
-
Brazil plunged back into crisis when the Supreme Court authorized an investigation into President Michel Temer on accusations of passive corruption and obstruction of justice.
-
Brazil's top prosecutor is investigating Temer over allegations of corruption, obstruction of justice and criminal conspiracy.
-
Concert organizers demand the resignation of President Michel Temer, who is being investigated by Brazil’s high court for alleged obstruction of justice and involvement in corruption.
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 Defined for English Language Learners
obstruction
playDefinition 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
OBSTRUCTION Defined for Kids
Medical Dictionary
obstruction
playMedical Definition of obstruction
1a: an act of obstructingb: a condition of being clogged or blocked intestinal obstruction
2: something that obstructs dislodge an airway obstruction
Learn More about obstruction
-
See words that rhyme with obstruction Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for obstruction Spanish Central: Translation of obstruction Nglish: Translation of obstruction for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of obstruction for Arabic speakers
Seen and Heard
What made you want to look up obstruction? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).
Writing? Check your grammar now!