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
Arrests were made for offenses including obstruction of the highway, hindering law enforcement duties, and assault on police.
—
Mia Cathell, The Washington Examiner, 27 Oct. 2025
Observing and recording law enforcement is generally protected, but warning people to avoid arrest or physically interfering with ICE operations could be considered obstruction.
—Michael Smolens, San Diego Union-Tribune, 26 Oct. 2025
Givens ultimately was cited in connection with obstruction of governmental operations, disorderly conduct and refusal to submit to arrest.
—Arkansas Online, 26 Oct. 2025
Medical professionals warn that ingesting magnets can lead to serious consequences such as pressure necrosis, perforation, obstruction, fistula and sepsis.
—Angel Saunders, PEOPLE, 25 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for obstruction
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Mia Cathell, The Washington Examiner, 27 Oct. 2025
Observing and recording law enforcement is generally protected, but warning people to avoid arrest or physically interfering with ICE operations could be considered obstruction.
—Michael Smolens, San Diego Union-Tribune, 26 Oct. 2025
Givens ultimately was cited in connection with obstruction of governmental operations, disorderly conduct and refusal to submit to arrest.
—Arkansas Online, 26 Oct. 2025
Medical professionals warn that ingesting magnets can lead to serious consequences such as pressure necrosis, perforation, obstruction, fistula and sepsis.
—Angel Saunders, PEOPLE, 25 Oct. 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 30 Oct. 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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