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
The 71-year-old was convicted in July 2024 of 16 counts, including extortion, conspiracy, obstruction of justice and acting as a foreign agent.
—
Sarah D. Wire, USA Today, 18 June 2025
According to records from the DeKalb County jail, where the reporter remains detained, he was charged with improperly entering a pedestrian roadway, obstruction of law enforcement officers and unlawful assembly.
—Marlon Sorto, CNN Money, 17 June 2025
McDonnell said such actions would amount to obstruction of justice.
—David Zahniser, Los Angeles Times, 14 June 2025
These signals travel over 12,500 miles to reach us and are incredibly weak upon arrival—leaving them vulnerable not only to physical obstructions and solar activity, but also to intentional interference.
—Mariam Sorond, Forbes.com, 11 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for obstruction
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Sarah D. Wire, USA Today, 18 June 2025
According to records from the DeKalb County jail, where the reporter remains detained, he was charged with improperly entering a pedestrian roadway, obstruction of law enforcement officers and unlawful assembly.
—Marlon Sorto, CNN Money, 17 June 2025
McDonnell said such actions would amount to obstruction of justice.
—David Zahniser, Los Angeles Times, 14 June 2025
These signals travel over 12,500 miles to reach us and are incredibly weak upon arrival—leaving them vulnerable not only to physical obstructions and solar activity, but also to intentional interference.
—Mariam Sorond, Forbes.com, 11 June 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 3 Jul. 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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