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

Synonyms of obstruction

• obstacle
• hurdle
• embarrassment
• interference
• barrier

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

He was sentenced to concurrent life terms in federal prison on six charges, nearly 12 years on a firearm conspiracy charge and 10 years on an obstruction of justice charge. — Angie Dimichele, Sun Sentinel, 2 Oct. 2026

Where Montoya lived Montoya faces charges of conspiracy to defraud the United States, possession of false immigration documents, use of false immigration documents and obstruction of agency proceedings. — Theresa Clift, Sacbee.com, 30 Sep. 2026

My cat decided to waltz in front of the phone's camera during the VO2 Max test at one point, and the test continued despite the brief obstruction. — Andrew Gebhart, PC Magazine, 30 Sep. 2026

Allegations of obstruction The sentencing dispute also extends beyond Rivera’s lobbying activities. — Antonio María Delgado, Miami Herald, 29 Sep. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1533, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Rhymes for obstruction

• abduction
• adduction
• conduction
• construction
• deduction
• destruction
• eduction
• induction
• instruction
• production
• reduction
• seduction

Kids 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