obstruction

ob-struc-tion · noun

imported

Definitions

noun

  1. 1.

    A thing that impedes or blocks; a blockage.

  2. 2.

    The action of obstructing or the state of being obstructed.

  3. 3.

    (Law) The offense of deliberately impeding a legal process.

  4. 4.

    (Sports) The illegal blocking of an opponent.

Forms

plural: obstructions

Phrases & expressions

  • •
    obstruction of justice — illegally interfering with legal proceedings
  • •
    bowel obstruction — a medical blockage in the intestines

Related words

Antonyms: clearance, opening, passage
See also: barrier, blockage, obstacle
Synonyms: barrier, blockage, hindrance, obstacle

Etymology

From Latin obstructio, from obstruere ("to block up"), from ob- ("before") + struere ("to build, pile up").