obstruction Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. noun any structure that makes progress difficult
    impedimenta; impediment; obstructor; obstructer.
  2. noun the physical condition of blocking or filling a passage with an obstruction
    blockage.
  3. noun something immaterial that stands in the way and must be circumvented or surmounted
    obstacle.
    • lack of imagination is an obstacle to one's advancement
    • the poverty of a district is an obstacle to good education
    • the filibuster was a major obstruction to the success of their plan
  4. noun the act of obstructing
    • obstruction of justice
  5. noun getting in someone's way

WordNet

Ob*struc"tion noun
Etymology
L.obstructio.
Definitions
  1. The act of obstructing, or state of being obstructed.
  2. That which obstructs or impedes; an obstacle; an impediment; a hindrance.
    A popular assembly free from obstruction. Swift.
  3. The condition of having the natural powers obstructed in their usual course; the arrest of the vital functions; death. Poetic
    To die, and go we know not where, To lie in cold obstruction, and to rot. Shak.
    Syn. -- Obstacle; bar; barrier; impediment; clog; check; hindrance. -- Obstruction, Obstacle. The difference between these words is that indicated by their etymology; an obstacle is something standing in the way; an obstruction is something put in the way. Obstacle implies more fixedness and is the stronger word. We remove obstructions; we surmount obstacles.
    Disparity in age seems a greater obstacle to an intimate friendship than inequality of fortune. Collier.
    The king expected to meet with all the obstructions and difficulties his enraged enemies could lay in his way. Clarendon.

Webster 1913