obstruction
n.-
1 a physical blockage (n.) B2 Upper Intermediatesomething that blocks a road, pipe, or path so that nothing can get through.
a physical object that blocks or impedes passage through a conduit, thoroughfare, or anatomical passage.
ExampleThe plumber found a small plastic toy causing an obstruction in the kitchen pipe.
ExampleEmergency crews worked through the night to remove the fallen tree, which had created a significant obstruction on the main highway.
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2 the act of blocking (n.) B2 Upper Intermediatethe act of intentionally stopping someone or something from making progress.
the deliberate or accidental act of hindering or preventing progress or movement.
ExampleThe lawyer was accused of obstruction of justice for hiding important documents.
ExampleThe protesters were arrested for the obstruction of a public thoroughfare after they refused to move from the bridge.
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3 sports foul (n.) B2 Upper Intermediate Sportan illegal move where a player blocks an opponent who does not have the ball.
an infringement of the rules in which a player uses their body to impede the progress of an opponent.
ExampleThe referee blew the whistle and called obstruction against the defender.
ExampleThe striker was awarded a free kick after the defender was penalised for obstruction in the penalty area.
UsageOften used as an uncountable noun when referring to the foul itself.
From Latin obstructio (“hindrance”), from obstruo (“build against, block, stop”).