Obstruction
əbˈstrʌkʃən
Definitions
2 meaningsThe act of blocking or the condition of being blocked.
əbˈstrʌkʃən
The action of obstructing or the state of being obstructed.
The protesters created an obstruction to the construction of the new highway.
💡 Simply: Imagine a big rock blocking a path. An obstruction is like anything that gets in the way, stopping things from moving or happening.
👶 For kids: When something is in the way and you can't get past it. Like a big toy blocking the door!
More Examples
The doctor diagnosed a partial obstruction of the patient's airway.
The government accused the opposition of obstruction of parliamentary proceedings.
How It's Used
"The defendant was charged with obstruction of justice."
"A bowel obstruction can be life-threatening."
"The fallen tree was an obstruction on the road."
Something that blocks or prevents movement or progress.
əbˈstrʌkʃən
Something that obstructs or impedes.
The building's pillars posed an obstruction to the view.
💡 Simply: Think of it as something that slows you down or stops you. Like when you try to push a heavy box but it's getting in the way.
👶 For kids: Something that stops you from doing what you want to do. Like a toy blocking the way!
More Examples
His emotional baggage was an obstruction to forming new relationships.
A fallen tree was an obstruction on the road.
How It's Used
"The referee called obstruction against the defensive player."
"The lack of funding was a major obstruction to their project."
Synonyms & Antonyms
Idioms & expressions
obstruction of justice
The act of interfering with the administration of justice.
"The politician was accused of obstruction of justice for destroying evidence."
obstruction of the airway
A blockage in the passage of air to the lungs.
"A severe obstruction of the airway can lead to suffocation."
From Latin obstructio, from obstruere ('to build against, block').
The term 'obstruction' has been used since the 15th century, evolving from a more literal sense of blocking to include hindering or impeding any action or progress.
Memory tip
Think of a physical barrier, like a fallen tree blocking a road. It's an OBSTRUCTION!
Word Origin
"to build against, block"