OBSTRUCTION

Pronunciation (US):

(GB):

IPA (US):

 Dictionary entry overview: What does obstruction mean? 

• OBSTRUCTION (noun)
  The noun OBSTRUCTION has 5 senses:

1. any structure that makes progress difficult

2. the physical condition of blocking or filling a passage with an obstruction

3. something immaterial that stands in the way and must be circumvented or surmounted

4. the act of obstructing

5. getting in someone's way

  Familiarity information: OBSTRUCTION used as a noun is common.

 Dictionary entry details 

• OBSTRUCTION (noun)

Sense 1

Meaning:

Any structure that makes progress difficult

Classified under:

Nouns denoting man-made objects

Synonyms:

impediment; impedimenta; obstructer; obstruction; obstructor

Hypernyms ("obstruction" is a kind of...):

construction; structure (a thing constructed; a complex entity constructed of many parts)

Hyponyms (each of the following is a kind of "obstruction"):

encumbrance; hinderance; hindrance; hitch; incumbrance; interference; preventative; preventive (any obstruction that impedes or is burdensome)

tumbler (a movable obstruction in a lock that must be adjusted to a given position (as by a key) before the bolt can be thrown)

obstacle (an obstruction that stands in the way (and must be removed or surmounted or circumvented))

block; blockage; closure; occlusion; stop; stoppage (an obstruction in a pipe or tube)

blockade (prevents access or progress)

barrier (a structure or object that impedes free movement)

bar (an obstruction (usually metal) placed at the top of a goal)

Sense 2

Meaning:

The physical condition of blocking or filling a passage with an obstruction

Classified under:

Nouns denoting stable states of affairs

Synonyms:

blockage; obstruction

Hypernyms ("obstruction" is a kind of...):

physical condition; physiological condition; physiological state (the condition or state of the body or bodily functions)

Hyponyms (each of the following is a kind of "obstruction"):

ileus; intestinal obstruction (blockage of the intestine (especially the ileum) that prevents the contents of the intestine from passing to the lower bowel)

tamponade; tamponage (blockage or closure (as of a wound or body cavity) by (or as if by) a tampon (especially to stop bleeding))

Sense 3

Meaning:

Something immaterial that stands in the way and must be circumvented or surmounted

Classified under:

Nouns denoting cognitive processes and contents

Synonyms:

obstacle; obstruction

Context example:

the filibuster was a major obstruction to the success of their plan

Hypernyms ("obstruction" is a kind of...):

balk; baulk; check; deterrent; handicap; hinderance; hindrance; impediment (something immaterial that interferes with or delays action or progress)

Hyponyms (each of the following is a kind of "obstruction"):

barrier; roadblock (any condition that makes it difficult to make progress or to achieve an objective)

hang-up; hitch; rub; snag (an unforeseen obstacle)

hurdle (an obstacle that you are expected to overcome)

stymie; stymy (a thwarting and distressing situation)

Sense 4

Meaning:

The act of obstructing

Classified under:

Nouns denoting acts or actions

Context example:

obstruction of justice

Hypernyms ("obstruction" is a kind of...):

hinderance; hindrance; interference (the act of hindering or obstructing or impeding)

Hyponyms (each of the following is a kind of "obstruction"):

blockage; closure; occlusion (the act of blocking)

stall; stalling (a tactic used to mislead or delay)

obstruction of justice (impeding those who seek justice in a court (as by trying to influence or intimidate any juror or witness or officer of the court); can result in a finding of contempt of court)

Derivation:

obstruct (block passage through)

obstruct (hinder or prevent the progress or accomplishment of)

Sense 5

Meaning:

Getting in someone's way

Classified under:

Nouns denoting acts or actions

Hypernyms ("obstruction" is a kind of...):

maneuver; manoeuvre; play (a deliberate coordinated movement requiring dexterity and skill)

Hyponyms (each of the following is a kind of "obstruction"):

check (obstructing an opponent in ice hockey)

block; blocking (the act of obstructing or deflecting someone's movements)

 Context examples 

Segmental, irreversible dilation of the bronchial tree resulting in the accumulation of secretions which leads to obstruction.

(Bronchiectasis, NCI Thesaurus)

A disorder characterized by obstruction of the nasal passage due to mucosal edema.

(Nasal Congestion, NCI Thesaurus/CTCAE)

Adenomas arising from the extrahepatic bile ducts usually produce symptoms related to biliary obstruction.

(Bile Duct Adenoma, NCI Thesaurus)

It may cause gastrointestinal bleeding and luminal obstruction.

(Colorectal Schwannoma, NCI Thesaurus)

The device or component caused the formation of a stationary blood clot along the walls of a blood vessel resulting in an obstruction.

(Device Thrombosis Activation Problem Evaluation Result, Food and Drug Administration)

Movement of a medical device to an unintended location within the body with resulting obstruction of an organ or vessel.

(Device Embolization, NCI Thesaurus)

Dilatation of the ureter caused by obstruction of urine flow that is present at birth.

(Congenital Hydroureter, NCI Thesaurus)

Prolonged complete obstruction of the coronary artery.

(Chronic Total Coronary Artery Occlusion, NCI Thesaurus/ACC)

Impairment of the bile flow caused by obstruction within the liver, or outside the liver in the bile duct system.

(Cholestasis, NCI Thesaurus)

A condition caused by blocking the airways to the lungs and interference with the respiration by compression or obstruction of the larynx or trachea.

(Choking, NCI Thesaurus)