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

The change in the law comes after a July 2025 Kansas Supreme Court ruling decided that Kansas officers may no longer stop cars solely for obstruction of a state name on a license plate. — Joseph Hernandez, Kansas City Star, 9 July 2026

Following significant rainfall events, Public Works evaluates reported flooding locations and responds to maintenance issues, such as debris or drainage obstructions, where appropriate. — Casey Mann, Arkansas Online, 8 July 2026

Aaron Ammons was charged in the same indictment with conspiracy to obstruct justice and a separate count of obstruction. — Olivia Olander, Chicago Tribune, 8 July 2026

The same pattern that dismissed Bernie Sanders — the horror, the obstruction, the rules designed to protect insiders — has been repeated against Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, and more recently against New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani. — Tad Devine, Fortune, 7 July 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