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

In March 2026, a judge sentenced Ellis to 15 years to life for murder, one to 15 years for obstruction of justice and two terms of zero to five years for domestic violence in the presence of a child, per KSL. — Samantha Stutsman, PEOPLE, 26 Sep. 2026

Cops arrested Eric Avrutov, 31, and charged him with assault, criminal obstruction of breathing and harassment. — Roni Jacobson, New York Daily News, 24 Sep. 2026

Shapiro says those with dealing with health issues such gallstones or bile duct obstruction, kidney stones, iron-deficiency anemia, and liver disease should consult their doctors. — Nadine El Chaer, Vogue, 19 Sep. 2026

Most outdoor units discharge hot air vertically, so an obstruction directly overhead can interfere with that airflow. — Rachel Silva, Martha Stewart, 19 Sep. 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