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
Hill, the former court clerk, pleads guilty to obstruction of justice and perjury, for providing access to graphic photographs from Murdaugh's case and lying about it.
—
Bill Chappell, NPR, 13 May 2026
When visibility drops — in heavy rain, fog, smoke or snow — the system is designed to rely more heavily on radar and lidar, which are less affected by visual obstruction, the article states.
—Brandi D. Addison, USA Today, 13 May 2026
Hill was charged last May with perjury, obstruction of justice and misconduct.
—Dianne Gallagher, CNN Money, 13 May 2026
The company and Nair were charged with obstruction and making false statements during the NTSB's investigation.
—Sarah N. Lynch, CBS News, 12 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for obstruction
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Bill Chappell, NPR, 13 May 2026
When visibility drops — in heavy rain, fog, smoke or snow — the system is designed to rely more heavily on radar and lidar, which are less affected by visual obstruction, the article states.
—Brandi D. Addison, USA Today, 13 May 2026
Hill was charged last May with perjury, obstruction of justice and misconduct.
—Dianne Gallagher, CNN Money, 13 May 2026
The company and Nair were charged with obstruction and making false statements during the NTSB's investigation.
—Sarah N. Lynch, CBS News, 12 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for obstruction
Cite this Entry
“Obstruction.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/obstruction. Accessed 17 May. 2026.
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
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
