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
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 office handed over Yoon’s case to the Seoul prosecutors’ office on Friday and asked it to indict him on charges of rebellion, abuse of power and obstruction of the National Assembly.
—
Hyung-Jin Kim, Los Angeles Times, 26 Jan. 2025
Microplastics in the bloodstream can induce cerebral thrombosis by causing cell obstruction and lead to neurobehavioral abnormalities, Science Advances, 11(4).
—Hatty Willmoth, Newsweek, 24 Jan. 2025
Figueroa pleaded guilty to conspiracy to defraud the United States; destruction, alteration, falsification of records in a federal investigation; obstruction of departments or agencies; and adulteration or misbranding of food and drugs.
—David J. Neal, Miami Herald, 23 Jan. 2025
Christopher Carnell, 22, of Cary was convicted of felony obstruction and four misdemeanors for his participation in the insurrection.
—Danielle Battaglia, Charlotte Observer, 22 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for obstruction 
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Hyung-Jin Kim, Los Angeles Times, 26 Jan. 2025
Microplastics in the bloodstream can induce cerebral thrombosis by causing cell obstruction and lead to neurobehavioral abnormalities, Science Advances, 11(4).
—Hatty Willmoth, Newsweek, 24 Jan. 2025
Figueroa pleaded guilty to conspiracy to defraud the United States; destruction, alteration, falsification of records in a federal investigation; obstruction of departments or agencies; and adulteration or misbranding of food and drugs.
—David J. Neal, Miami Herald, 23 Jan. 2025
Christopher Carnell, 22, of Cary was convicted of felony obstruction and four misdemeanors for his participation in the insurrection.
—Danielle Battaglia, Charlotte Observer, 22 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for obstruction
Dictionary Entries Near obstruction
Cite this Entry
“Obstruction.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/obstruction. Accessed 30 Jan. 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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