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
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
Additionally, 24% of providers in Colorado reported incidents of obstruction over those two years, and 18% experienced threats.
—
Megan Ulu-Lani Boyanton, Denver Post, 22 May 2025
Then, on Wednesday, Jan. 15, Cobb County prosecutor Sonya Allen charged Smith with felonies of obstruction of officers and terroristic threats, according to court documents.
—Esther Kang, People.com, 21 May 2025
These include aiming a firearm at another person, reckless conduct, criminal damage to property, obstruction of law enforcement, evidence tampering, conspiracy to commit a felony, and simple assault.
—Preezy Brown, VIBE.com, 21 May 2025
Aid must flow immediately, without obstruction and at scale, because this is what is needed.
—Amira El-Fekki, MSNBC Newsweek, 21 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for obstruction
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Megan Ulu-Lani Boyanton, Denver Post, 22 May 2025
Then, on Wednesday, Jan. 15, Cobb County prosecutor Sonya Allen charged Smith with felonies of obstruction of officers and terroristic threats, according to court documents.
—Esther Kang, People.com, 21 May 2025
These include aiming a firearm at another person, reckless conduct, criminal damage to property, obstruction of law enforcement, evidence tampering, conspiracy to commit a felony, and simple assault.
—Preezy Brown, VIBE.com, 21 May 2025
Aid must flow immediately, without obstruction and at scale, because this is what is needed.
—Amira El-Fekki, MSNBC Newsweek, 21 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for obstruction
Cite this Entry
“Obstruction.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/obstruction. Accessed 4 Jun. 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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