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 Per the indictment, Trump was charged with one count each of conspiracy to defraud the United States, conspiracy to obstruct an official proceeding, obstruction of and attempt to obstruct an official proceeding, and conspiracy against rights. Virginia Chamlee, Peoplemag, 4 Mar. 2024 Smirnov was charged on Feb. 15 with making false statements to the FBI and obstruction for allegedly falsifying claims about the Bidens’ involvement with Burisma Holdings, a Ukrainian energy company. Cailey Gleeson, Forbes, 26 Feb. 2024 The panel recommended one year in jail for the misdemeanor obstruction charge. Tracy Neal, arkansasonline.com, 14 Feb. 2024 For the United States, this means matching obstruction with bold multilateral approaches to regulate issues of dispute with China. Michael J. Mazarr, Foreign Affairs, 9 Feb. 2024 Nudge back slowly and stop for a moment once the rear of the vehicle has cleared any obstructions to give the system’s aft-facing sensors ample opportunity to detect a possible collision and bring the vehicle to a stop if needed. Jim Gorzelany, Forbes, 20 Feb. 2024 But concurrently, players have focused on obstruction: preventing their opponents from bidding so precisely. Frank Stewart, The Mercury News, 18 Feb. 2024 Iron supplements can cause constipation and other gastrointestinal side effects, including nausea, vomiting, and in rare cases, bowel obstruction. Stephen C. George, Discover Magazine, 12 Feb. 2024 Three times the presidential motorcade had left the gates of the White House, only to return due to obstructions along their route. Elliot Ackerman, WIRED, 12 Feb. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'obstruction.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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 19 Mar. 2024.

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
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