obstruction
/əbˈstrʌk.ʃən/
NOUN
1. The act of obstructing or the state of being obstructed
The act or condition of blocking, hindering, or interfering with movement, progress, or the normal operation of something.
1.1. Physical blockage of a passage or route
An object, barrier, or condition that blocks a road, path, entrance, or passage and prevents or restricts movement.
Synonyms
- blockage
- barrier
- roadblock
- blockade
- barricade
- block
- hindrance
- impediment
- stoppage
Antonyms
Examples
- Obstruction of the road caused a major traffic jam during rush hour.
- The fallen tree acted as an obstruction on the hiking trail, blocking our path.
Related Words
1.2. Interference with progress or an activity
An action, circumstance, or difficulty that delays, restricts, or prevents the progress or completion of an activity, process, or undertaking.
Synonyms
- hindrance
- impediment
- interference
- constraint
- encumbrance
- handicap
- barrier
- deterrent
- delay
- stumbling block
- hurdle
- obstacle
Antonyms
Examples
- The defendant was charged with obstruction of justice for tampering with evidence.
Related Words
- difficulty
- adversity
- hardship
- drawback
- setback
- restriction
- restraint
- disadvantage
1.3. Deliberate interference with an official process
The act of intentionally interfering with an investigation, legal proceeding, or official activity to prevent it from being carried out properly.
Synonyms
- interference
- hindrance
- impediment
- obstruction of justice
Antonyms
- assistance
- cooperation
- support
- facilitation
Examples
- The defendant was charged with obstruction of justice for tampering with evidence.
Related Words
- tampering
- meddling
- intrusion
- intervention
- opposition
- resistance
NOUN
2. Something that obstructs or impedes
A physical object, circumstance, or condition that blocks movement, restricts access, or makes progress difficult.
2.1. A physical obstacle or barrier
A tangible object or structure that blocks a route, passage, or access to a particular place.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Examples
- Cleaning out the gutters regularly can prevent the obstruction of water flow during heavy rains.
Related Words
2.2. A difficulty or hindrance to achievement
A problem, disadvantage, or unfavorable circumstance that makes achieving a goal or completing a task more difficult.
Synonyms
- hindrance
- impediment
- hurdle
- difficulty
- adversity
- hardship
- setback
- drawback
- barrier
- stumbling block
Antonyms
Examples
- The obstruction prevented the team from completing the project on schedule.
Related Words
- challenge
- hazard
- peril
- burden
- encumbrance
- constraint
- deterrent
NOUN
3. The arrest of vital functions or death
An obsolete or specialized sense referring to the condition in which the natural powers or vital functions are obstructed in their normal course, resulting in their arrest or death.