obstruction

noun

ob·​struc·​tion əb-ˈstrək-shən How to pronounce obstruction (audio)
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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
According to reports, Rocko, born Rodney Ramone Hill Jr., was arrested last month and charged with disorderly conduct, misdemeanor willful obstruction of law enforcement officials, and criminal trespass. Preezy Brown, VIBE.com, 15 Jan. 2025 Trump was ultimately charged with four counts, including conspiracy to defraud the United States and obstruction of an official proceeding. Cnn.com Wire Service, The Mercury News, 14 Jan. 2025 The Heritage Foundation warned in a 2023 paper that Chinese encroachment into Latin America presented ample threat of surveillance, intelligence gathering, and obstruction to U.S. interests. Timothy Nerozzi, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 11 Jan. 2025 He was convicted of two other felonies, but after the Supreme Court narrowed an obstruction charge used against scores of rioters, one of those two counts was vacated. Ella Lee, The Hill, 10 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for obstruction 

Word History

First Known Use

1533, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of obstruction was in 1533

Dictionary Entries Near obstruction

Cite this Entry

“Obstruction.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/obstruction. Accessed 20 Jan. 2025.

Kids Definition

obstruction

noun
ob·​struc·​tion əb-ˈstrək-shən How to pronounce obstruction (audio)
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- How to pronounce obstruction (audio)
1
a
: an act of obstructing
b
: a condition of being clogged or blocked
intestinal obstruction
2
: something that obstructs
dislodge an airway obstruction

More from Merriam-Webster on obstruction

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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