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
She is charged with murder and criminal obstruction of breathing.
—
Rebecca White, New York Daily News, 8 Mar. 2026
Three other people were charged with disorderly conduct and obstruction charges.
—Claire Carter, The Washington Examiner, 8 Mar. 2026
Police arrested a person, identified as 21-year-old Ian McGuiness, who allegedly used pepper spray on counter-protesters, and three others on disorderly conduct and obstruction charges.
—Lucia I Suarez Sang, CBS News, 8 Mar. 2026
His charges were reduced to misdemeanor obstruction of government administration and harassment, the outlet said.
—Bonny Chu, FOXNews.com, 5 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for obstruction
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Rebecca White, New York Daily News, 8 Mar. 2026
Three other people were charged with disorderly conduct and obstruction charges.
—Claire Carter, The Washington Examiner, 8 Mar. 2026
Police arrested a person, identified as 21-year-old Ian McGuiness, who allegedly used pepper spray on counter-protesters, and three others on disorderly conduct and obstruction charges.
—Lucia I Suarez Sang, CBS News, 8 Mar. 2026
His charges were reduced to misdemeanor obstruction of government administration and harassment, the outlet said.
—Bonny Chu, FOXNews.com, 5 Mar. 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 12 Mar. 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
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