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

Zilke, 49, was arrested last year in May and pleaded guilty months later to conspiracy to aid and abet drug distribution, launder money and obstruction of an official government proceeding for stealing and attempting to cover up the theft of $150,000 in DEA undercover funds.

From Los Angeles Times

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

Second, he wrote the court’s opinion undermining obstruction charges for many Jan. 6 participants, including Trump himself, weakening the legal basis for the former president’s prosecution.

From Slate

They will not vote to allow the prosecution of Jan. 6 insurrectionists for obstruction, as Justice Amy Coney Barrett did.

From Slate

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

From Salon

Related Words

• blockage
• hindrance
• interference