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

Synonyms of obstruction

• obstacle
• hurdle
• embarrassment
• interference
• barrier

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

Seventy-two-year-old Lise Beauchamp, 37-year-old Melany Rinker, also known as Melony Vanderbrink, and 63-year-old Nancy Jancke were each charged with obstruction of a peace officer after failing to give their names and dates of birth. — Zander Sherman, Rolling Stone, 7 Aug. 2026

She was charged with obstruction, harassment and disorderly conduct, police said. — Julian Roberts-Grmela, New York Daily News, 7 Aug. 2026

The law bars force, threats, or physical obstruction intended to interfere with the exercise of religious freedom at a place of worship. — Kaelan Deese, The Washington Examiner, 7 Aug. 2026

Tracey was arrested days after the incident and charged with endangering the welfare of a child, simple assault, harassment and obstruction. — Adam Sabes , Preston Mizell, FOXNews.com, 6 Aug. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1533, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Rhymes for obstruction

• abduction
• adduction
• conduction
• construction
• deduction
• destruction
• eduction
• induction
• instruction
• production
• reduction
• seduction

Kids 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