obstruction

noun

ob·struc·tion | \ əb-ˈstrək-shən

, äb-\

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

Synonyms More Example Sentences Learn More about obstruction

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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

Singer agreed to plead guilty on Tuesday of charges including racketeering, defrauding the United States, obstruction of justice, and fraud. — Cady Drell, Marie Claire, "What Is the College Admissions Scandal? Lori Loughlin and Felicity Huffman Were Indicted," 15 Mar. 2019 Cut the insulation to fit snugly into each stud bay, and to fit tightly around all electrical boxes, pipes, ducts and other in-wall obstructions. — Joseph Truini, Popular Mechanics, "How to Finish Your Basement," 18 Apr. 2019 At his federal trial on obstruction-of-justice charges in 2016, former Undersheriff Paul Tanaka was assailed by prosecutors for being a tattooed member of the Vikings. — Joel Rubin, latimes.com, "After decades of problems, new allegations surface of a secret clique within L.A. County Sheriff's Department," 10 July 2018 But the Trump team’s claim that obstruction-of-justice statutes do not apply to the president carries new twists. — Charlie Savage, New York Times, "Trump and His Lawyers Embrace a Vision of Vast Executive Power," 4 June 2018 That statement raised concerns among some legal experts who said that Giuliani seemed to indicate Comey was fired over the Russia investigation - and that such an admission could further an obstruction-of-justice probe involving the president. — The Washington Post, NOLA.com, "Giuliani dials back statements on Trump and payment to porn star Stormy Daniels," 5 May 2018 At the heart of Trump’s alleged obstruction is a private meeting in the Oval Office between the president and then-FBI director Comey. — Warren Richey, The Christian Science Monitor, "Legal question swirls around Trump: What constitutes obstruction of justice?," 16 Apr. 2018 McCabe's memos could prove useful to Mueller's investigators in their obstruction-of-justice probe. — The Washington Post, OregonLive.com, "Trump rails against Mueller investigation, Comey and McCabe," 18 Mar. 2018 McCabe's memos could prove useful to Mueller's investigators in their obstruction-of-justice probe. — Philip Rucker, chicagotribune.com, "Trump rails against Mueller investigation, dismisses McCabe's notes as 'Fake Memos'," 18 Mar. 2018

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.