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.
Dolan realized that big cities such as New York also had demand for improved picture quality because of skyscrapers and other big obstructions that interfered with reception. Cynthia Littleton, Variety, 31 Dec. 2024 South Korean media reported that prosecutors indicted former Defense Minister Kim Yong Hyun for allegedly playing a key role in Yoon’s rebellion plot and committing abuse of power and obstruction. Hyung-Jin Kim, Los Angeles Times, 27 Dec. 2024 Bowers was convicted on 63 criminal counts in June last year, including hate crimes resulting in death and obstruction of free exercise of religion resulting in death. Josh Hammer, Newsweek, 23 Dec. 2024 Under the terms of the agreement, Benza admitted to all allegations of excessive force and obstruction of justice made against him, but will only face the single felony charge. Samantha Riedel, Them, 20 Dec. 2024 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 15 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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