obstruction

noun

Synonyms of obstruction
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.
Robertson said those concerns include obstruction of pedestrian and car traffic, collisions into infrastructure, and effects on pets and children. — Victor Jacobo, CBS News, 16 Oct. 2026 Kelly Elizabeth Shea pleaded guilty to misdemeanor obstruction of justice in a plea deal Wednesday afternoon, and a judge sentenced her to a year of probation and community service. — Julia Coin, Charlotte Observer, 15 Oct. 2026 Earlier this year, a grand jury handed down a 30-count indictment against then-Orleans Parish Sheriff Susan Hutson, for malfeasance, obstruction of justice and falsifying public records. — ABC News, 15 Oct. 2026 Although the Andes form the country’s western border, much of Argentina is flat, particularly in large swaths of Patagonia and the Gran Chaco, allowing AM signals to travel hundreds of miles without obstruction. — Jordan Salama, New Yorker, 12 Oct. 2026 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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Obstruction.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/obstruction. Accessed 19 Oct. 2026.

Kids Definition

obstruction

noun
1
: an act of obstructing : the state of being obstructed
2
: something that gets in the way : obstacle

Medical Definition

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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