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
However, Councilmember Paul Dillon proposed another amendment last week that eliminated the notice period and clarified the definition of obstruction.
—
Tim Clouser, The Washington Examiner, 1 July 2025
DeKalb police charged Guevara with obstruction of police, unlawful assembly and being a pedestrian on the roadway.
—Greg Wehner, FOXNews.com, 1 July 2025
And then there is a style that believes reading should mimic the obstruction and slow struggle of writing.
—Benjamin Hale
june 23, Literary Hub, 23 June 2025
His allegations are key to the bribery and obstruction of justice elements of the racketeering conspiracy charge.
—Eric Levenson, CNN Money, 14 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for obstruction
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
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Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
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Tim Clouser, The Washington Examiner, 1 July 2025
DeKalb police charged Guevara with obstruction of police, unlawful assembly and being a pedestrian on the roadway.
—Greg Wehner, FOXNews.com, 1 July 2025
And then there is a style that believes reading should mimic the obstruction and slow struggle of writing.
—Benjamin Hale
june 23, Literary Hub, 23 June 2025
His allegations are key to the bribery and obstruction of justice elements of the racketeering conspiracy charge.
—Eric Levenson, CNN Money, 14 June 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 9 Jul. 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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