Word
obstruction
Phoneticsob·struc·tion, stress on the second syllable
US/əbˈstɹəkʃən/
UK/ɒbstɹˈʌkʃən/
Definitions
01a physical blockage
B2 · Upper Intermediate Countable noun
n. something that blocks a road, pipe, or path so that nothing can get through.
n. a physical object that blocks or impedes passage through a conduit, thoroughfare, or anatomical passage.
“The plumber found a small plastic toy causing an obstruction in the kitchen pipe.”
“Emergency crews worked through the night to remove the fallen tree, which had created a significant obstruction on the main highway.”
02the act of blocking
B2 · Upper Intermediate Uncountable noun
n. the act of intentionally stopping someone or something from making progress.
n. the deliberate or accidental act of hindering or preventing progress or movement.
“The lawyer was accused of obstruction of justice for hiding important documents.”
“The protesters were arrested for the obstruction of a public thoroughfare after they refused to move from the bridge.”
Synonyms
Antonyms
03sports foul
B2 · Upper Intermediate Uncountable noun Sports
n. an illegal move where a player blocks an opponent who does not have the ball.
n. an infringement of the rules in which a player uses their body to impede the progress of an opponent.
“The referee blew the whistle and called obstruction against the defender.”
“The striker was awarded a free kick after the defender was penalised for obstruction in the penalty area.”
Usage
Often used as an uncountable noun when referring to the foul itself.
Real-World Examples
“Haq repeated that peacekeepers must be able to carry out their mandated work without obstruction.” “An expert might suggest treating nasal obstruction or allergies, if this is what is causing snoring, or wearing a custom mouthguard to gently push the lower jaw forward and keep the airway open.” Etymology
From Latin obstructio (“hindrance”), from obstruo (“build against, block, stop”).
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
VERB
NOUN
ADJECTIVE
Domain
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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englishreference.com/q/obstruction