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
Man threatened, attacked latter carrier over several months The Justice Department became aware of Franklin's actions toward the carrier after the United States Postal Inspection Service received a complaint about Franklin possibly committing threats and obstruction against the employee.
—
Krystal Nurse, USA TODAY, 14 Mar. 2025
Since the start of 2025, 26 drivers have been injured in traffic incidents in Missouri caused by foreign objects or obstructions in the road, according to Missouri State Highway Patrol data.
—Ilana Arougheti, Kansas City Star, 14 Mar. 2025
The protesters were arrested on various charges including trespassing, obstruction and resisting arrest, a police official said at a news briefing.
—Raja Krishnamoorthi, Newsweek, 13 Mar. 2025
Teixeira pleaded guilty to the obstruction charge at the court-martial on Thursday, his family spokesperson confirmed.
—Meredith Deliso, ABC News, 13 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for obstruction
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.
Krystal Nurse, USA TODAY, 14 Mar. 2025
Since the start of 2025, 26 drivers have been injured in traffic incidents in Missouri caused by foreign objects or obstructions in the road, according to Missouri State Highway Patrol data.
—Ilana Arougheti, Kansas City Star, 14 Mar. 2025
The protesters were arrested on various charges including trespassing, obstruction and resisting arrest, a police official said at a news briefing.
—Raja Krishnamoorthi, Newsweek, 13 Mar. 2025
Teixeira pleaded guilty to the obstruction charge at the court-martial on Thursday, his family spokesperson confirmed.
—Meredith Deliso, ABC News, 13 Mar. 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 19 Mar. 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
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share