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.
According to Bennett Gershman, a professor at Pace University's law school, free speech protections allow residents to discuss law enforcement in their neighborhoods, but language that actively encourages evasion of authorities could possibly be construed as obstruction of justice. Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 6 Feb. 2025 Menendez was found guilty on charges including extortion, honest services wire fraud, obstruction of justice, acting as a foreign agent for Egypt, bribery, and conspiracy. Barnini Chakraborty, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 29 Jan. 2025 The then-former president was charged with dozens of felony counts, including violations of the espionage act and obstruction of justice. Dave Goldiner, New York Daily News, 29 Jan. 2025 Beckman and Lau are accused of crimes including securities fraud, conspiracy to commit bank fraud, aggravated identity theft and obstruction of justice, according to a complaint filed last week in the San Francisco U.S. District Court. Summer Lin, Los Angeles Times, 28 Jan. 2025 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 12 Feb. 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
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!