# obstruction

/əbˈstɹəkʃən/ (US) · /ɒbstɹˈʌkʃən/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/obstruction
Updated: 2026-06-20

## Senses

### 1. a physical blockage

noun · CEFR B2

something that blocks a road, pipe, or path so that nothing can get through.

For teachers: 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.

### 2. the act of blocking

noun · CEFR B2

the act of intentionally stopping someone or something from making progress.

For teachers: 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.

### 3. sports foul

noun · CEFR B2

an illegal move where a player blocks an opponent who does not have the ball.

For teachers: 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.

## Examples

- The fallen tree is a major obstruction on the road.
- Heavy traffic caused a long obstruction on the highway this morning.
- The sudden obstruction of the artery required immediate medical intervention to restore blood flow and prevent tissue damage.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.