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
These may include obstruction of justice, obstruction of criminal investigations, money laundering, mail fraud, wire fraud, straw purchasers, extortion and certain false statements.
—
Susan Shelley, Oc Register, 29 Nov. 2025
The 14-year-old was initially charged with failure to seek assistance and obstruction of justice in the case, while an autopsy later confirmed the newborn's manner of death to be homicide.
—Samira Asma-Sadeque, PEOPLE, 28 Nov. 2025
Federal prosecutors charged Dugan in April with obstruction and concealing an individual to prevent arrest.
—Todd Richmond The Associated Press, Arkansas Online, 27 Nov. 2025
Initial statements to this news organization on April 6 from fire officials show that firefighters were unable to deploy a ground or aerial ladder in time to save the two women due to obstructions in the parking lot area.
—Kyle Martin, Mercury News, 27 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for obstruction
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Susan Shelley, Oc Register, 29 Nov. 2025
The 14-year-old was initially charged with failure to seek assistance and obstruction of justice in the case, while an autopsy later confirmed the newborn's manner of death to be homicide.
—Samira Asma-Sadeque, PEOPLE, 28 Nov. 2025
Federal prosecutors charged Dugan in April with obstruction and concealing an individual to prevent arrest.
—Todd Richmond The Associated Press, Arkansas Online, 27 Nov. 2025
Initial statements to this news organization on April 6 from fire officials show that firefighters were unable to deploy a ground or aerial ladder in time to save the two women due to obstructions in the parking lot area.
—Kyle Martin, Mercury News, 27 Nov. 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 5 Dec. 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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