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
In addition to the concealment charge, Mendoza-Gonzalez was charged with obstruction of justice and abuse of a corpse, police said.
—
Clifford Ward, Chicago Tribune, 15 Apr. 2025
The call resulted in the arrest of a subject for violation of the obstruction statute.
—Mark Price, Miami Herald, 9 Apr. 2025
The teenagers are also facing charges of second-degree obstruction of justice and motor vehicle theft.
—Greta Cross, USA Today, 9 Apr. 2025
The councilmember was charged with felony assault, resisting arrest and obstruction of government administration after her arrest at the 6 a.m. protest.
—Josephine Stratman, New York Daily News, 8 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for obstruction
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Clifford Ward, Chicago Tribune, 15 Apr. 2025
The call resulted in the arrest of a subject for violation of the obstruction statute.
—Mark Price, Miami Herald, 9 Apr. 2025
The teenagers are also facing charges of second-degree obstruction of justice and motor vehicle theft.
—Greta Cross, USA Today, 9 Apr. 2025
The councilmember was charged with felony assault, resisting arrest and obstruction of government administration after her arrest at the 6 a.m. protest.
—Josephine Stratman, New York Daily News, 8 Apr. 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 25 Apr. 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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