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

• balk
• bar
• block
• chain
• clog
• cramp
• crimp
• deterrent
• drag
• embarrassment
• encumbrance
• fetter
• handicap
• hindrance
• holdback
• hurdle
• impediment
• inhibition
• interference
• let
• manacle
• obstacle
• shackles
• stop
• stumbling block
• trammel

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

Imaging: Healthcare providers use X-ray, ultrasound, or specialized imaging methods like magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP) to screen for signs of duct obstruction, rule out other causes of symptoms, or assess disease progress. —Mark Gurarie, Health, 13 Dec. 2024

Lisa Marie died in January 2023 at age 54 of bowel obstruction. —Gordon G. Chang, Newsweek, 12 Dec. 2024

Two others have been charged with obstruction of justice in the case. —Quinlan Bentley, The Enquirer, 11 Dec. 2024

Advertisement Lamond, who was arrested in May 2023, is charged with one count of obstruction of justice and three counts of making false statements. —Michael Kunzelman, Los Angeles Times, 2 Dec. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1533, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

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