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
Pitcairn police say the juvenile has been charged with obstruction, resisting arrest, and possession, including having tools on him that are known to be used to break into vehicles.
—
Erika Stanish, CBS News, 29 Dec. 2025
The ballot is dominated by parties perceived to be close to the military and hundreds have been arrested under a new law criminalizing obstruction, disruption and criticism of the poll.
—Ross Adkin, CNN Money, 27 Dec. 2025
Several days later, the team encountered another complication, as venous reflux, a blood return obstruction, caused the ear to darken, jeopardizing tissue survival.
—Georgina Jedikovska, Interesting Engineering, 26 Dec. 2025
Jovanny Hernandez followed stories of immigration throughout the year, including Judge Hannah Dugan’s obstruction charges and Yessenia Ruano’s decision to return to El Salvador after exhausting options in Milwaukee.
—Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, jsonline.com, 26 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for obstruction
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Erika Stanish, CBS News, 29 Dec. 2025
The ballot is dominated by parties perceived to be close to the military and hundreds have been arrested under a new law criminalizing obstruction, disruption and criticism of the poll.
—Ross Adkin, CNN Money, 27 Dec. 2025
Several days later, the team encountered another complication, as venous reflux, a blood return obstruction, caused the ear to darken, jeopardizing tissue survival.
—Georgina Jedikovska, Interesting Engineering, 26 Dec. 2025
Jovanny Hernandez followed stories of immigration throughout the year, including Judge Hannah Dugan’s obstruction charges and Yessenia Ruano’s decision to return to El Salvador after exhausting options in Milwaukee.
—Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, jsonline.com, 26 Dec. 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 31 Dec. 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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