obstruction

noun

ob·​struc·​tion əb-ˈstrək-shən How to pronounce obstruction (audio)
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 The country music star was arrested for obstruction of investigation in his home state of Oklahoma on Thursday New details surrounding Zach Bryan's recent arrest have been revealed. Brenton Blanchet, Peoplemag, 9 Sep. 2023 Julie was also charged with wire fraud and obstruction of justice. USA TODAY, 8 Sep. 2023 Bryan was arrested for obstruction of a law enforcement officer, the report said. Riley Hoffman, ABC News, 8 Sep. 2023 What to know about Ken Paxton’s historic impeachment trial Paxton initially faced 20 charges, including misconduct, bribery, obstruction of justice and misappropriation of public resources stemming from his effort to obtain $3.3 million in state funding to settle a lawsuit by senior aides. Molly Hennessy-Fiske, Washington Post, 5 Sep. 2023 But there are a fair number of trees between me and that cell tower, and any physical obstruction can dampen a cellular signal. Globe Staff, BostonGlobe.com, 4 Sep. 2023 One common cause of gallbladder obstruction in dogs is cholecystitis, which refers to inflammation of the gallbladder. Amber Smith, Discover Magazine, 31 Aug. 2023 The maximum penalty for obstruction of justice by bribery is five years in prison and a $250,000 fine. Joseph D. Bryant | Jbryant@al.com, al, 31 Aug. 2023 The long sentences come from a government request that the Proud Boys defendants be found liable for terrorism, adding roughly 15 years to their sentences, and also for obstruction of justice. Rachel Weiner, Washington Post, 30 Aug. 2023 See More

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'obstruction.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1533, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of obstruction was in 1533

Dictionary Entries Near obstruction

Cite this Entry

“Obstruction.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/obstruction. Accessed 21 Sep. 2023.

Kids Definition

obstruction

noun
ob·​struc·​tion əb-ˈstrək-shən How to pronounce obstruction (audio)
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- How to pronounce obstruction (audio)
1
a
: an act of obstructing
b
: a condition of being clogged or blocked
intestinal obstruction
2
: something that obstructs
dislodge an airway obstruction

More from Merriam-Webster on obstruction

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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