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.
Investigators accused him of obstruction of justice, unlawful contracting and, among other things, claiming $127,630 in expenses linked to fictitious missions and plane tickets for nearly a dozen trips. Jacqueline Charles, Miami Herald, 3 Sep. 2026 The prosecutor, Matthew Evans, was fired on Thursday and is now under investigation for alleged obstruction of a grand jury probe, the person said. Alanna Durkin Richer, Los Angeles Times, 3 Sep. 2026 Royce and Rachel Moser both were charged with tampering with evidence, abuse of a corpse and obstruction of justice. ABC News, 3 Sep. 2026 After federal prosecutors and defense attorneys had presented all their evidence Tuesday, Morrow’s attorneys asked Orso to dismiss the three petty charges accusing her of obstruction, disruption and disobedience. Charlotte Observer, 2 Sep. 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 5 Sep. 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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