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
He has been charged with armed kidnapping, willful injury, domestic abuse assault with the intent to inflict serious injuries and obstruction of emergency communications, according to public court records.
—
Toria Sheffield, PEOPLE, 28 Sep. 2025
Bondi’s appearance on Fox News comes days after Comey was indicted by a federal grand jury on two of three counts sought by prosecutors, one count of making false statements and one count of obstruction of justice, according to documents.
—Sydney Topf, The Washington Examiner, 27 Sep. 2025
One meagre count alleges false statements to Congress; the other alleges obstruction of a congressional proceeding arising from the same testimony.
—Ruth Marcus, New Yorker, 26 Sep. 2025
Comey has been charged with giving false statements and obstruction of a congressional proceeding, and could face up to five years in prison if convicted.
—Alexandra Banner, CNN Money, 26 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for obstruction
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Toria Sheffield, PEOPLE, 28 Sep. 2025
Bondi’s appearance on Fox News comes days after Comey was indicted by a federal grand jury on two of three counts sought by prosecutors, one count of making false statements and one count of obstruction of justice, according to documents.
—Sydney Topf, The Washington Examiner, 27 Sep. 2025
One meagre count alleges false statements to Congress; the other alleges obstruction of a congressional proceeding arising from the same testimony.
—Ruth Marcus, New Yorker, 26 Sep. 2025
Comey has been charged with giving false statements and obstruction of a congressional proceeding, and could face up to five years in prison if convicted.
—Alexandra Banner, CNN Money, 26 Sep. 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 6 Oct. 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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