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
Dozens of participants were later charged with misdemeanor offenses related to unlawful assembly and obstruction, with many ultimately placed into diversion programs requiring community service.
—
Cierra Morgan, Los Angeles Times, 27 Mar. 2026
The bill now requires the NYPD to form a plan for how to address and limit obstruction, intimidation and physical injury.
—Josephine Stratman, New York Daily News, 26 Mar. 2026
Police charged Quintanilla with first-degree burglary, second-degree criminal damage to property, and obstruction of a law enforcement officer.
—Dan Raby, CBS News, 26 Mar. 2026
The ongoing situation of nasal obstruction creates difficulties that impact both sleep and concentration and result in reduced quality of life.
—Matthew Kayser, USA Today, 25 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for obstruction
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Cierra Morgan, Los Angeles Times, 27 Mar. 2026
The bill now requires the NYPD to form a plan for how to address and limit obstruction, intimidation and physical injury.
—Josephine Stratman, New York Daily News, 26 Mar. 2026
Police charged Quintanilla with first-degree burglary, second-degree criminal damage to property, and obstruction of a law enforcement officer.
—Dan Raby, CBS News, 26 Mar. 2026
The ongoing situation of nasal obstruction creates difficulties that impact both sleep and concentration and result in reduced quality of life.
—Matthew Kayser, USA Today, 25 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 3 Apr. 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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