obstruction

[ uhb-struhk-shuhn ]

noun

1. something that obstructs, blocks, or closes up with an obstacle or obstacles; obstacle or hindrance:

   obstructions to navigation.

   Synonyms: impediment, bar, barrier

   Antonyms: encouragement

2. an act or instance of obstructing.
3. the state of being obstructed.

   Synonyms: stoppage

   Antonyms: encouragement

4. the delaying or preventing of business before a deliberative body, especially a legislative group, by parliamentary contrivances.

obstruction

/ əbˈstrʌkʃən /

noun

1. a person or thing that obstructs
2. the act or an instance of obstructing
3. delay of business, esp in a legislature by means of procedural devices
4. sport the act of unfairly impeding an opposing player
5. the state or condition of being obstructed

Derived Forms

• obˈstructionally, adverb
• obˈstructional, adjective

Other Words From

• preob·struction noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of obstruction¹

First recorded in 1525–35; from Latin obstructiōn- (stem of obstructiō ) “barrier.” See obstruct, -ion

Synonym Study

See obstacle.

Example Sentences

In response, prosecutors argued that the request for bail should be denied, alleging that Mr Combs "poses serious risks of danger and obstruction of these proceedings".

From BBC

Despite this, Fiji appeared to have taken the lead with an attacking driving maul that had yielded a penalty try but was ruled out for obstruction.

From BBC

In March 2004, Stewart was found guilty of conspiracy, obstruction and two counts of lying to federal investigators.

From Salon

His alleged obstruction included lying about the extent of his compliance with a federal subpoena and ordering his co-conspirators to hide documents that he knew the government wanted.

From Los Angeles Times

The letter is a line-by-line examination of Israel’s obstruction of aid deliveries – and the way its forcible relocation of civilians has exposed 1.7 million Palestinians to serious risk of disease.

From BBC

Related Words

• blockage
• hindrance
• interference