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
Miranda allegedly fled the scene of the crash and was arrested for felony hit and run resulting in death or injury, felony vandalism, and misdemeanor obstruction of a peace officer, the Merced County Sheriff's Office said.
—
Brandon Downs, CBS News, 8 Feb. 2026
Puig faces a statutory maximum sentence of 10 years in federal prison on the obstruction of justice charge and up to five years in prison for the two false statement charges.
—Steve Henson, Los Angeles Times, 6 Feb. 2026
In January 2023, prosecutors charged Puig with obstruction of justice in addition to making false statements to federal officials.
—City News Service, Daily News, 6 Feb. 2026
Puig has been charged with obstruction of justice and making false statements to investigators.
—Sam Blum, New York Times, 4 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for obstruction
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Brandon Downs, CBS News, 8 Feb. 2026
Puig faces a statutory maximum sentence of 10 years in federal prison on the obstruction of justice charge and up to five years in prison for the two false statement charges.
—Steve Henson, Los Angeles Times, 6 Feb. 2026
In January 2023, prosecutors charged Puig with obstruction of justice in addition to making false statements to federal officials.
—City News Service, Daily News, 6 Feb. 2026
Puig has been charged with obstruction of justice and making false statements to investigators.
—Sam Blum, New York Times, 4 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for obstruction
Cite this Entry
“Obstruction.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/obstruction. Accessed 15 Feb. 2026.
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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