plural obstructions
1
: something that blocks something else and makes it difficult for things to move through
They are removing trees and other obstructions from the path.
There were obstructions [=blockages] in his blood vessels.
2
: the condition of being blocked so that things cannot move through easily
cases of intestinal obstruction in children
She died from an obstruction of the airway.
3
: the act of making it difficult for something to happen or move forward
He is on trial for the obstruction of a criminal investigation.
Note: Obstruction of justice is the crime of trying to stop police from learning the truth about something.
Cite this Entry
“Obstruction.” Merriam-Webster.com Simple Definition, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/simple/obstruction. Accessed 14 Apr. 2026.
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